An Irish Government investigation into the country's ticketing process is expected to miss the deadline ©Getty Images

An Irish Government investigation into the country’s ticketing processes for the Olympic Games will reportedly not be completed before its deadline.

A "non-statutory" inquiry, which was convened by Irish Sports Minister Shane Ross and Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan in August, was expected to have reached a verdict within 12 weeks.

Headed by Justice Carroll Moran, a former High Court judge, the inquiry is focusing on Ireland’s ticketing process for the London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

He also retained the right to look back at previous Olympics.

According to the Irish Times, Moran will provide an interim report at the end of November, but will seek further time to complete the inquiry.

Noel Rock, a Fine Gael politician, told the newspaper of his disappointment concerning the delay.

"It is a disappointment to see that this investigation has already been delayed substantially, though it is no surprise to some that the problem is proving bigger than initially anticipated," he said.

The inquiry is aimed at establishing the "policies, procedures, processes and practices relevant to the receipt, distribution and sale of tickets allocated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) as well as accreditations given by NOCs".

OCI President and IOC Executive Board member Patrick Hickey remains in Brazil ©Getty Images
OCI President and IOC Executive Board member Patrick Hickey remains in Brazil ©Getty Images

The way the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) procured and awarded contracts is being examined, as well as the way they resold tickets via hospitality packages.

Corporate governance within the OCI, as well as state funding by the Sports Council of Ireland, are also reportedly being investigated.

OCI President Patrick Hickey, also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board and the head of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), was arrested in a dawn raid at Rio 2016 and is currently facing charges over alleged ticketing offences.

Hickey has stood down from all of his sporting roles and remains in Brazil, along with compatriot Kevin Mallon, the director of THG, one of two agencies at the centre of the allegations, who has also been charged.

A number of others indicted had already left the country, with all accused denying any wrongdoing.

Although THG were the authorised ticket reseller (ATR) for London 2012 and Sochi 2014, they were not selected for Rio 2016 and so had no rights to sell tickets.

It is alleged by Brazilian police, however, that Pro10, who were selected, were just a front operation to conceal THG's involvement.