International Olympic Committee executive Patrick Hickey has reportedly been arrested in Brazil for allegedly reselling Rio 2016 tickets.

Hickey, who is the Olympic council of Ireland president, is accused of being involved in a scheme to illegally sell tickets for high prices.

According to The AP, the authorities have seized more than 1,000 tickets believed to be provided by THG Sports, who are also alleged to have been involved in a similar scam during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Hickey, who is believed to be one of six people taking part in the illegal activity, has been on the IOC executive board since 2012 and is the president of the European Olympic Committee.

Last week, an Irish executive was arrested and four others are being pursued by the authorities.