He does, however, hope a "solution can be found" and that the 71-year-old is soon allowed to return to Ireland in order to receive health treatment.

The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) President was arrested during a dawn raid at the Olympic Family Windsor Marapendi Hotel during August's Games in Rio de Janeiro.

He has reportedly been charged with criminal organisation, ticket touting, ambush marketing, larceny, money laundering and tax evasion.

This carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years with Hickey denying all charges.

Little progress has been made in the investigation in recent weeks, however, with Hickey still unable to leave the country due to his passport having been confiscated.

The Irishman has "temporarily self-suspended" himself from all Olympic positions until the situation is resolved, including his Presidency of the European Olympic Committees (EOC).

But his influence is still being felt in sporting circles.

He played an instrumental role in Minsk being awarded hosting rights for the 2019 European Games last month, while an OCI review into ticketing arrangements at Rio 2016 was postponed this month after he threatened to seek an injunction preventing its completion.

insidethegames understands he is also in contact with other key sporting officials including Kuwait's Association of National Olympic Committees President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

Many figures in sporting circles feel that he was treated overly harshly by the Brazilian authorities. 

"No," Bach answered today, when asked if he had spoken to Hickey in recent weeks.

When asked about wider developments on the issue, he added: "This is in the hand of the Brazilian authorities at the moment. 

"For us it is very clear that the presumption of innocence prevails and we hope that a good solution will be found to address his [Hickey] difficult health situation.

"And that hopefully he can have his treatment and surgery in Ireland."