René Fasel

René Fasel (born 6 February 1950) is a Swiss-Russian retired ice hockey administrator. He was president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) from 1994 to 2021.

He started playing ice hockey in 1960 for HC Fribourg-Gottéron and later became a referee in 1972.

In 1985, Fasel became president of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. In 1994, he was elected president of the International Ice Hockey Federation. During his time with the IIHF, he also joined the International Olympic Committee and became a member of its executive board.

In 2021, Fasel was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame for his contributions to ice hockey. His work helped shape the sport and promote fair play around the world.

Early career

René Fasel was born in Fribourg, Switzerland. He started his ice hockey career as a player for the HC Fribourg-Gottéron team in 1960. After he stopped playing, he became a referee and worked until 1982. He officiated 37 international games. Later, he took on important roles in Swiss ice hockey. He led the country's ice hockey governing body and served on the council of the International Ice Hockey Federation.

IIHF president

In June 1994, René Fasel became the President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). He served for many years and worked to create stronger ties with the National Hockey League in North America. Thanks to his efforts, players from the NHL were able to compete in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

Fasel was also part of the International Olympic Committee and helped organize the 2010 Winter Olympics. He stepped down as IIHF president in September 2021 and was honored by being added to the IIHF Hall of Fame that same day.

Later career

In March 2022, René Fasel said he would not sign a contract to help the Kontinental Hockey League, but would give advice if asked. When the International Ice Hockey Federation stopped working with Russian and Belarusian teams because of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Fasel said it was a sad moment for the organization. He believed that sports should promote peace and unity, even during hard times. Reports said that Fasel had friendly relationships with important Russian leaders.

Personal life

René Fasel is married and has four children. He studied at the University of Fribourg and University of Bern, and became a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1977. In 2012, he helped carry the torch for the Summer Olympics in London.

In 2023, Fasel became a citizen of Russia and bought a big part of a company that grows apples.