The Irish women's bobsleigh team are confident that they will be entitled to compete at the Winter Olympic Games.

A spokesperson for the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) said that it is “virtually impossible” for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn a decision it made on Wednesday.

Olympic chiefs agreed that both Ireland and Australia should be permitted to compete in the women's bobsleigh event at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

However, there were fresh fears yesterday when Brazil appealed the inclusion of Ireland in the games, citing Ireland's late entry into the qualifying campaign.

Brazil want the event increased to 22 competing teams and will have their case heard by CAS in Vancouver tomorrow, with the outcome likely to be known around 10pm Irish time.

Belfast Telegraph