Town owner Marcus Evans’s THG Sports have backed the setting up of an independent inquiry into the alleged illegal selling of tickets for the Rio Olympics, which Irish sports minister Shane Ross reportedly could announce as soon as today.

Last week, Brazilian police issued warrants for the arrests of Evans and three other THG directors, having previously arrested another, Kevin James Mallon, with around 1,000 tickets in a hotel room in Rio.

"THG notes that, in the interests of the wider Irish public, there have been calls in Ireland for an independent inquiry into the Rio16 Olympic ticketing affair,” THG said in a statement.

"THG wishes to make clear that it would very much welcome such an inquiry and pledges to provide full cooperation in the strong belief that it can demonstrate that the company has acted lawfully at all times.

"While THG respects the Brazilian police process, which clearly is different to that in the UK or Ireland, THG believes that a full and proper judicial assessment cannot be achieved without consideration of, and access to, all the THG compliance documentation which THG has followed in the provision of hospitality packages in Rio.

“THG would like to see that an independent inquiry, under the chair of a respected Irish legal figure, be actioned expeditiously."

Pro10 Sports Management, the Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR) for the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) at the Rio Games, has similarly added its support for an inquiry.

Brazilian police have also issued arrest warrants for its three directors, who include Eamonn Collins, a football agent representing players among them Town striker Daryl Murphy and former Blues loanee Connor Sammon.

Pro 10’s statement reads: "A Commission of Investigation should be established speedily; investigate all relevant facts and report its conclusions in the shortest possible time. We understand that the terms of any investigation should respect the Brazilian legal process.

"We have nothing to hide and are therefore anxious that the full facts are established and made public as soon as possible so that our good name can be exonerated.”

Pat Hickey, the OCI president and head of the European Olympic Committees, who was arrested at his hotel on Wednesday, was discharged from hospital last night, having been taken there after complaining of chest pains, and was taken to a police station where he has been questioned.

A judge has reportedly denied bail to the 71-year-old, who has temporarily stepped down from all his Olympic positions.

Photo: Action Images

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