The Olympic Council of Ireland will elect a new President next month, but former President Pat Hickey looks set to remain as part of the Executive Committee under the new regime.
Acting President Willie O'Brien, Basketball Ireland CEO Bernard O'Byrne and Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane are all vying to replace the 71-year-old in the February 9th election. The winner will be entitled to sitting as President for a four-year term.
According to the Irish Times, the new President will have the shadow of the former boss presiding over OCI meetings, where Hickey will also be entitled to a vote in all Council matters.
Despite stepping down from his OCI in the aftermath of his accused role in a ticket-touting scandal ahead of Rio 2016, he is still entitled to a seat on the Executive Committee, due to his role within the IOC, to which he holds a seat on, until his 80th birthday.
Mr. Hickey was allowed return home from Brazil before Christmas due to health concerns, with proceedings against him continuing in the Brazilian justice system.
One returning last month, the former OCI President proclaimed his innocence in a statement. It is his only public comments since returning to Ireland.
"I have returned to Ireland where I will undergo ongoing medical treatment under the care of my medical consultant," Mr Hickey said.
"Once again I wish to state that I am totally innocent of all charges against me."
"I intend to adhere to any requests made by the Brazilian authorities and I will do everything possible to clear my name so that I can, in due course, get on with my life with my wife and family."
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