Industry News

Irish Olympic body terminates THG contracts for Games

The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) has “terminated” its contracts with British ticketing firm THG relating following the touting scandal that emerged at last year’s Olympic Games.

Then OCI president Pat Hickey and THG last year agreed a multi-year deal that covered all Olympic Games until 2026.

Rio 2016 organisers soon barred THG from acting as Ireland’s authorised ticket reseller, while PyeongChang 2018 have since also rejected the company’s involvement following its role in the ticket touting scandal.

The OCI last month said it wants to take ticket services in-house for next year’s winter Olympic Games.

The body said: “Both parties agreed that with THG reducing its business activities in Ireland that this would be the most appropriate course of action in the interests of Irish athletes and the wider Irish public.

“THG has been the OCI’s most significant commercial partner since coming on board in 2010.

“The OCI wishes to acknowledge THG’s willingness to reach an amicable resolution in this matter.”

An OCI spokesperson said the terms of the termination agreement are confidential and would not reveal whether or not THG was financially compensated for the termination.

A report into alleged ticket touting at the 2016 Rio Olympic games had found that the seller appointed by the OCI was not genuine and provided a service that resulted in substantial complaints from athletes, relatives, and friends who were unable to get tickets for key events.

The OCI’s authorised reseller – Dublin company Pro10 – was appointed after THG was rejected by the Rio organising committee.

At the start of September it was revealed that Hickey will likely give evidence at his upcoming trial in Rio de Janeiro via Skype. Hickey’s lawyers said he will not need to return to Brazil to face the charges of touting, money laundering and tax evasion as he can use Skype or submit his evidence by way of sworn deposition, subject to approval from the courts in Rio de Janeiro.

Hickey and THG executive Kevin Mallon are among nine people facing trial in Brazil.