Patrick Hickey has been released from Brazil ©Getty Images

Ireland's Patrick Hickey will be permitted to leave Brazil for medical reasons after a judge gave permission for his passport to be returned today,

According to Irish broadcaster RTE, the 71-year-old must pay a court bond of €410,000 ($440,000/£352,000).

Hickey must agree to fully cooperate with the legal process in Brazil and be present for any calls that are made of him as the process continues, it was ruled. 

Hickey was arrested during a dawn raid at the Olympic Family Windsor Marapendi Hotel in Rio de Janeiro on August 17.

He was reportedly 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.

Justice Juliana Leal de Melo of the Special Court for Supporter and Large Events in Rio de Janeiro ruled this evening that Hickey would be allowed to leave the country "to treat a health problem".

This was because he "has no links with Brazil".

The risk that Hickey may not return to Brazil was countered by the health concerns, she said.

Hickey received a show of support from sporting colleagues here at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly yesterday. 

Patrick Hickey was arrested during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images
Patrick Hickey was arrested during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images

ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah referred to him as their "dear vice-president".

IOC President Thomas Bach had also called last week for Hickey to be permitted to return back home.

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) and vice-presidency of ANOC.

"He is 71 and has heart problems," added acting EOC President Janez Kocijančič during the ANOC meeting.

"We hope he will be allowed home to prepare to prove his innocence. 

"We do not ask for mercy but for a human approach."

Hickey's 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.