René Fasel

René Fasel (born 6 February 1950) is a Swiss-Russian retired ice hockey administrator. He served as president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) from 1994 to 2021. He began his ice hockey journey as a player for HC Fribourg-Gottéron in 1960 and later became a referee in 1972.

In 1985, Fasel became president of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. His leadership and dedication led to his election as president of the International Ice Hockey Federation in 1994. During his time with the IIHF, he also became a member of the International Olympic Committee and was elected to its executive board.

Fasel’s contributions to ice hockey were recognized when he was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2021. His work helped shape the sport and promote fair play around the world.

Early career

René Fasel was born in Fribourg, Switzerland. He began his ice hockey journey as a player for the HC Fribourg-Gottéron team in 1960. After stopping playing, he became a referee and worked in that role until 1982, officiating 37 international games. Later, he took on important roles in Swiss ice hockey, including leading the country's ice hockey governing body and serving 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 was not signing a contract to help the Kontinental Hockey League, but would give advice when asked. When the International Ice Hockey Federation stopped working with Russian and Belarusian teams because of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Fasel called it a sad moment for the organization. He believed that sports should always promote peace and unity, even during difficult times. Reports mentioned that Fasel had friendly relationships with important Russian leaders, and there were calls for an investigation into his actions and those of the Russian Hockey Federation.

Personal life

René Fasel is married and has four children. He studied at the University of Fribourg and University of Bern, becoming 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.