Hospitality boss held in Rio ticket touting probe 'set to be released'

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.

Kevin Mallon, a director of THG Sports which specialises in corporate and sports hospitality, has been in custody in Brazil since August 5 over the affair.

He was arrested after police seized Olympic tickets 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.

The authorised ticket reseller contracted by the Olympic Council of Ireland is Dublin-based PRO10 Sports Management.

THG said it had legitimate customers for its tickets and Mr Mallon was acting as a collection agent for them in Rio, meeting clients.

THG and PRO10 have denied any wrongdoing over ticket sales.

In a statement, THG Group said: "Following intensive efforts by our lawyers in Brazil, THG welcomes the news that our colleague Kevin Mallon is shortly to be released from preventative detention in Rio.

"In line with our previous statements on this matter, THG has welcomed the public inquiry in Ireland into these matters and believes that the company and its executives will be vindicated when all of the evidence is reviewed.

"We will continue to work to secure Kevin's full release and his return to Dublin. Meanwhile, THG is providing full support to Kevin and his family and will continue to seek to ensure their privacy at this difficult time."