Rene Fasel, the former head of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has faced questions about his potential ties to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) but has declined to discuss any involvement publicly.
In Moscow on April 8, Fasel attended the fourth game of the Western Conference playoff series between CSKA and SKA, a clash that ended with a 3–2 scoreline in favor of SKA. Reporters pressed him for clarification about his status with the league, yet he responded with a firm, direct statement: he was not present in any official capacity for the KHL at that time.
Earlier, the KHL’s press service noted that Switzerland would play an active part in addressing strategic questions related to the league’s development, while Fasel himself stated that he had not signed any formal contract with the KHL. This distinction kept the focus on conversations rather than agreements, leaving Fasel’s exact role in question for the moment.
On March 24, the IIHF forwarded materials to its Ethics Committee to review potential cooperation between the KHL and Fasel. In the wake of this move, Heikki Hietanen, who leads the organizing committee for the 2022 World Championship, indicated that Fasel could be removed from his honorary chairmanship of the IIHF if findings warranted such action.
Separately, Alexander Kozhevnikov, a two-time Olympic champion, weighed in on the IIHF’s decision to initiate an inquiry into the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. He suggested caution in assessing the current leadership of the IIHF, noting that Luc Tardif is the present president of the organization and has his own path to navigate amid the ongoing investigations and discussions about governance and ethics within the sport.
These events underscore a broader conversation about governance, transparency, and strategic partnerships in international ice hockey. They reflect how the sport’s highest bodies balance diplomatic engagement with rigorous oversight, especially as leagues outside North America seek greater alignment with global standards. Observers point to the importance of clear boundaries between honorary roles, formal contracts, and advisory positions to avoid conflicts of interest while still allowing constructive dialogue on the game’s development across continents. The situation also highlights how ethical reviews can influence leadership dynamics and the perception of legitimacy among member nations and fans alike, emphasizing the need for consistent, well-communicated criteria when assessing potential ties between major leagues and the sport’s governing institutions. In all, the discussion remains focused on safeguarding integrity, ensuring that any collaboration serves the sport’s growth while upholding the governance frameworks that players, coaches, and fans rely on each season. [citation: IIHF Ethics Committee materials; statements from the KHL press service; remarks by Heikki Hietanen; public statements by Alexander Kozhevnikov; leadership remarks from Luc Tardif]