The apparent leaking of a letter from Arthur Cox to the Executive Committee of the Olympic Council of Ireland was a poor start to the period of multiple investigations now under way into the background to Ireland’s ticketing arrangements for Rio.
It appeared in the Irish Times yesterday morning and was a popular hit on Sport for Business after we carried reference to the story.
We can only imagine though that it was never intended for such immediate public consumption, and it could potentially cause problems in Brazil for the legal case being pursued which all parties in Ireland were quick to suggest would not be impacted.
On the one hand it is commendable that Arthur Cox have clearly begun their investigation and that all the Board documents promised have been made fully available.
Flag waving
But like any investigation, things will unfold at varying pace as the investigation continues and flag waving moments of revelation rarely serve a positive purpose in isolation.
Sport for Business made contact with the OCI yesterday who confirmed that “a letter had been sent to the Executive Committee at the weekend which appears to be the source of the Irish Times story today.”
Quite correctly, the spokesperson then added that “As the issues concerned are material to the State inquiry into the OCI handling of ticketing for the Rio Olympics the OCI is unable to comment on them until the State inquiry has concluded its work.”
Similarly the individual who leaked the letter, for perceived personal vindication or whatever other reason should have drawn breath. In rushing to the media they have done little credit to the organisation they represent or the investigation being undertaken.
Vicarious
There was a vicarious thrill to the constant supply of evidence and speculation that emerged from the Brazilian authorities in the early stages of this saga. It was unusual in our system and made the due process which we follow seem somewhat leaden by comparison.
It is our system of legal and natural justice however and should be respected in a way that has not been in this instance.
With power comes responsibility. Regardless of the eventual outcome that also includes a responsibility to the course of justice.
Pat Hickey has now been released from the high security prison where he was being held but will remain under house arrest in Rio while the police investigation continues.
Who is paying for the accommodation is a fair question to ask but exposing one off elements of an internal investigation prior to a full report should not be seen as crusading as some might argue but rather as reckless.
Colm Keena and the Irish Times published the story first because it does move the narrative along and that is the job of journalists competing to stay one step ahead. It should never have been made so easy for them though, not until all the facts had been gathered.
