Accused Rio scalper bids for freedom

The former head of the European Olympic Committee accused of ticket scalping at the Rio Olympics has made a bid for the return of his passport.

Brazilian prosecutors are analysing a request by lawyers for Patrick Hickey, a move that could allow him to return home to Ireland.

Hickey was detained in Rio de Janeiro in August during the Olympics Games in connection with an investigation into an illegal ticket-scalping ring.

The former head of the Olympic Council of Ireland, who was released from prison in late August, has maintained he is innocent of all charges.

"Judge Juliana Leal de Melo, of the tribunal of major events, confirmed the request was made by the Irishman's lawyers," a court spokesperson said.

"It has been sent to prosecutors for analysis."

Police accuse Hickey of operating the ring with Dublin-based PRO10 Sports Management to funnel tickets intended for use by the Irish Olympic committee, and not authorised for resale, to international sports hospitality company THG Sports.

All those named in the case have denied wrongdoing.