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27th Aug 2016

Two Irish Olympians investigated for betting during Rio 2016

Yet more controversy

Carl Kinsella

When, oh when, will the Irish Olympics controversies end?

Yet another fracas has reared its head this morning with reports that two Irish Olympic athletes were investigated during the Rio games for betting on Olympic events.

The practice of Olympians betting on Olympics events is not technically illegal, but it is prohibited by the International Olympics Committee.

According to RTÉ, it has not yet been clarified which Irish Olympians were involved in the betting – not has it been made clear which event or events they had placed bets on.

RTÉ have also reported that a statement is expected from the Olympics Council of Ireland will be released later, and will clarify what, if any, action was taken against the athletes.

OCI President Pat Hickey is currently under arrest in Brazil and being detained in Bangu maximum security prison in connection with the illegal selling of tickets to the Olympics.

Ireland won two medals at the 2016 Olympics, with Annalise Murphy winning a silver medal for her performance in the Laser Radial sailing event and the O’Donovan brothers taking silver in the men’s lightweight double sculls.

However a third potential medalist, world amateur champion boxer Michael Conlan, railed against “fucking cheats” after a controversial defeat at the quarter-final stage.

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