UPDATE: The OCI said in a statement Wednesday that Hickey will temporarily leave his committee positions.
"In light of this morning's developments and his ill health, Mr Hickey has taken the decision to step aside temporarily as president of the OCI and all other Olympic functions ... until this matter is fully resolved," the statement read in part, per Agence France-Presse (via Yahoo Sports).
"Mr Hickey will of course continue to co-operate and assist with all ongoing inquiries."
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The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) says it is "seeking total clarity" on reports that its president Patrick Hickey has been arrested in Brazil over illegal Olympic ticket sales.
Reports in the Brazilian media say Hickey has been arrested for passing on tickets to be resold at extortionate prices.
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It is claimed by the Brazilian media that Hickey's arrest is in connection with that of countryman Kevin Mallon, who is alleged to have passed OCI tickets to THG Sports. Mallon is a director of the company.
The OCI released a statement in reaction to the reports and says it will ascertain the full facts before commenting further.
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"The OCI is aware of the media stories regarding Pat Hickey and we are seeking total clarity on the situation before we comment further," read a brief statement on the OCI's official website.
Hickey, who is also president of the European Olympic Committees, is also reported to have received medical attention after falling ill following his arrest.