Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) president Pat Hickey was yesterday elected secretary-general of the Association of European Olympic Committees, a federation of 50 countries throughout the Continent.

Hickey beat off the challenge of Slovakian candidate Martin Benko by a margin of 25 votes to 23, and now takes up the post for a four-year term.

The secretary-general post also incorporates the job of treasurer of the European Association, which this year is responsible for the distribution of $15 million.

Hickey's political ally, Italian Sports Minister Mario Pescante, was elected as president of the European Association. The two administrators are now senior figures in the Olympic movement, of which the European Association is arguably the strongest.

"This is a great day for Irish sport and the Irish Olympic movement," said Hickey.

"Ireland is now in the driving seat of European sport and will be a key player in the determination of future Olympic sports funding throughout the 50 nations."

Hickey's Euopean office is in Rome, to where he will commute twice a month from Dublin. He remains president of the OCI.