The chief executive of a FIFA partner company has been arrested by Brazilian police as part of an investigation into alleged illegal World Cup ticket sales.

British Ray Whelan, who used to work as Sir Bobby Charlton's agent, spent the night in a Rio de Janeiro police station after he was arrested at the Copacabana Palace Hotel, where FIFA president Sepp Blatter and a number of other officials are staying.

According to The Telegraph, police have now arrested 12 people in connection with the alleged illegal sales, which included 131 tickets, 70 of which were corporate hospitality.

Brazilian police claimed last week that they had located an international gang, who could have committed the illegal touting at four World Cup tournaments, drawing off around £52m per tournament.

Those arrested could be charged with money laundering, criminal association and the illegal selling of tickets.