The messages have been released by police in Brazil as part of their investigation into alleged ticket touting during last month's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Hickey was arrested on August 17 and is now facing charges of ticket touting, forming a criminal cartel, illicit marketing, embezzlement, tax evasion and money laundering.

Hickey was President of the European Olympic Committees and a member of the International Olympic Committee's ruling International Olympic Committee (IOC), as well as head of the Olympic Council of Ireland, before temporarily stepping down from all his roles following his arrest. 

The text messages between Hickey and Bach, President of the IOC, demonstrate that they believed Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev would announce plans to bid during the Closing Ceremony of the European Games on June 28 last year.

"Had a private meeting with No1 man [Ilham Aliyev] here today," Hickey wrote in a text message sent to Bach on June 17 last year.

"He asked me advice [sic] on a Oly bid as a result he will say it at closing ceremony.

"Happy days."

Before the Closing Ceremony in the Baku National Stadium, Bach sent Hickey a text congratulating him on the success of the first-ever European Games.

"Congratulations and a big hug Thomas," he wrote.

Hickey later replied informing Bach that Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Lady of Azerbaijan and the head of the Baku 2015 Organising Committee, had failed to mention bidding for the Olympics in her closing speech.

"Thanks Thomas no mention of bid in speech of 1st lady but number 1 [Ilham Aliyev] has asked me to meet him in the morning before I leave and be assured I will press for them to bid," he wrote.

Bach replied: "Thank you - disappointing for the positioning of the European Games and the IOC.

"Good luck tomorrow.

"Best regards Thomas."

Baku took part in the invitation phase for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics but in September 2015 it was announced that they would not bid.

Bach claimed that it was a joint decision between Baku and the IOC for them not to bid for 2024 but that they might consider entering the race for 2028.

Baku had previously bid for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics but were eliminated each time at the applicant phase stage.

Budapest, Los Angeles, Paris and Rome are currently bidding for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

Hamburg had also initially bid but withdrew following a public referendum. 

The IOC is due to choose a host city at its Session in Lima on September 13 in 2017.