He was released at two o’clock this morning Irish time, following a delay and will appear in court in Rio tomorrow.
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Kevin Mallon, a director of THG Sports, has been in custody in Brazil since 5 August, after being arrested in relation to Olympic tickets seized in a Rio hotel – some of which were part of the Irish allocation and were for the opening and closing ceremonies and the football final.
It is alleged by Brazilian police, however, that Pro10 Sports Management, the Dublin-based company who were selected, were just a front operation to hide THG’s involvement.
A sports hospitality boss arrested by police in Rio over an alleged ticket touting operation is due to be released from preventative detention, his company has said.
THG said Mallon, whose passport will not be returned to him to ensure he remains in Brazil, did not sell or seek to sell the tickets but was holding them for collection by clients of Pro10. He is an International Olympic Committee member and head of the Olympic Council of Ireland and the European Olympic Committees. Mr Mallon’s company THG denies any wrongdoing.
On Saturday, THG said it welcomed the news of Mr Mallon’s bail and would work to secure his full release.
It is believed Mr Mallon has been sharing a cell with former OCI president Pat Hickey in Bangu 10 prison.
It is understood Mr Mallon’s release on bail was delayed because of a lack of available electronic ankle-tags.
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Mr Hickey, who has temporarily stepped down as OCI president, was arrested 11 days ago by police involved in the ticketing investigation.
