IIHF launching ethics investigations in Russian Ice Hockey Federation, former president René Fasel

The IIHF has launched two ethics investigations surrounding their federation and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

In a statement released Thursday, the newly minted IIHF Ethics Board said its purpose was “to determine if the actions of an IIHF Member National Association or an individual associated with the IIHF or its members could constitute an ethical conduct violation.”

The IIHF Council has referred both the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and former president René Fasel to the board.

Reports have surfaced, according to the IIHF, that the RIHF is alleged to have sent instructions to Kontinental Hockey League clubs “to take demonstrative actions in support of the Russia-Ukraine war.”

Fasel, meanwhile, is being investigated following reports of his involvement in the war, as well as public statements made. Fasel, who stepped down from his role as president in Sept. 2021, was critical of the IIHF’s decision to ban both Russia and Belarus from upcoming competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.

The Ethics Board’s next steps will be to decide whether to refer the aforementioned cases to the IIHF Disciplinary Board for further review.

“Currently, no disciplinary action has been brought against the IIHF Life President or the Russian Ice Hockey Federation,” said the IIHF.