WCup hospitality exec released from jail in Brazil

Ray Whelan, a longstanding director and project manager within the MATCH group, arrives at a police station after been arrested, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, July 7, 2014. AP

RIO DE JANEIRO — A senior executive with the official World Cup corporate hospitality provider who is suspected of involvement with a ticket-scalping ring was released from prison early Tuesday.

Ray Whelan, of MATCH Services, was arrested Monday at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, the hotel used by FIFA officials during the World Cup.

Police have described Whelan as the “facilitator” who allowed a large ring of scalpers to have access to tickets.

His attorney Fernando Fernandes told reporters his arrest was “illegal and absurd.”

MATCH said in a statement that it has complete confidence in Whelan’s innocence. “MATCH have complete faith that the facts will establish that he has not violated any laws,” it said.

Whelan will not be allowed to leave Brazil.

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