Update 11.15aqm: It is understood the Olympic Council of Ireland will pay Pat Hickey’s bail bond of €400,000.

The 71-year-old is set to return to Ireland after a Brazilian judge ruled his passport can be returned for medical reasons.

The OCI is currently covering all of Mr Hickey’s legal costs as mandated within the body’s constitution. Payment of the fees depends on Mr Hickey being found innocent.

The OCI has reportedly set aside €500,000 to cover Mr Hickey’s legal costs.

Earlier:

Pat Hickey is going to have to pay over €400,000 to leave Rio.

The former President of the Olympic Council of Ireland is to get his passport back – but not until he pays a sizable bail bond.

Pat Hickey has strongly maintained his innocence since he was arrested in Brazil on ticket touting charges during this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The 71-year-old has since been unable to return home to Ireland – that is until now.

Last night a judge ruled that he should be given back his passport and allowed to leave Brazil – for medical care.

However his freedom comes at a price – in the form of a €410,000 bail bond.

He’s also been ordered to continue to comply with the legal process.

While the judge noted there was a risk that Mr Hickey wouldn’t return to Brazil, she said she had to balance this with concerns for his health.