The noose is tightening for the organizers of the World Championships in Zurich and Lausanne, which are scheduled to start on May 8. “The signals that the tournament will not be taking place are increasing. But it is still too early for a final cancellation ”, according to the president of the International Ice Hockey League (IIHF), the Friborg resident René Fasel.
– René Fasel, how are you?
“Given the circumstances, I’m fine, thank you. We are living in an eventful period, with developments that are difficult to predict and bad news falling every day. We have already had to cancel six tournaments scheduled for April. In total, we have already had to cancel 16 this year. All that remains is the World Championship A in Zurich and Lausanne as well as the Division 1 tournaments in Slovenia and Poland. For the moment. “
– The season was interrupted in Switzerland and in many other European countries. The NHL has been shutdown for at least two weeks. When are you going to decide to cancel the World Cup in Switzerland?
“The decision is not ours. It is the responsibility of the Confederation and the Cantons. For our part, we are continuing to work so that the tournament can start on May 8. Hope is the last to die. We are listening to the experts, but opinions differ. Some predict the peak of the pandemic in Europe by the end of April, others point to the month of May. I’ve even heard that the worst will come this fall. As a dentist and doctor, I may judge the situation with a little more sensitivity. But even I have no answer. I guess we will know more about the World Cup in two weeks at the latest. “
– But it is no longer realistic to maintain this world championship. For example, it is not conceivable that Italy will contest this tournament …
” …you are right. Skating rinks are closed in Italy, as in Denmark and Norway. The championship has been stopped in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In these circumstances, it will be very difficult for the national teams to prepare. Let me be clear: our boat is sailing on a stormy sea. Now it’s all about staying calm and realistically analyzing the situation. We have to think of everyone: the fans who have already bought tickets and booked hotels, the players, the Federations, the teams. Signals that the tournament is not going to get louder. But it is still too early for a final cancellation. “
– Over 300,000 tickets have already been sold. Would buyers be refunded in the event of cancellation?
” 100%. If the World Cup is canceled, our priority will be to limit the damage at all levels. Our goal is to reduce the effects as much as possible whether it is for fans, sponsors or local organizers. “
– Are you insured against this kind of damage?
” Yes. We are insured against war, terrorism and natural disasters. After assessing the risks in 2012, we concluded insurance for the period 2013 to 2022. The premium amounts to 260,000 francs per year. In addition, we have been able to establish reserves of around 25 million francs in recent years. Which is roughly equivalent to the benefits of a world championship. So I can say that we have some economic security. “
– But the shortfall will also be great for Swiss Ice Hockey and the organizing cities…
” Unfortunately it’s true. In general, the local organizer has a guaranteed profit of 1.5 million francs. The private sector and the hotel industry are likely to be even more affected. In total, the added value of such a tournament is around 100 million francs. “
– Have we underestimated the potential impact of the coronavirus?
“Certainly not at the IIHF. We decided to cancel tournaments as soon as we discovered positive cases in players in Asia and South Africa. We were actually criticized for this at the start. Let’s not forget that the organizers work hard for a very long time and that the disappointment is always huge after a cancellation. But in hindsight, we can say that we did everything right. Our medical committee assessed the situation very precisely and correctly from the start. “
– Could the 2021 World Championship take place in Switzerland?
“We should discuss it if necessary. But the following five editions have been awarded: in 2021 in Minsk and Riga, in 2022 in Tampere and Helsinki, in 2023 in St Petersburg, in 2024 in Prague and Ostrava, in 2025 in Sweden and Denmark. Commercial and strategic interests are too great in a group A world championship for a postponement to be easy to decide. This would be possible in the lower divisions. As it stands, the 2021 World Cup will take place in Belarus and Latvia. “
– 2020 was shaping up to be a great sporting year, with also a European football championship and the Olympic Games. Do you think these events will be canceled?
“I have seen in recent weeks that the situation is changing very quickly. It makes no sense to project yourself that far. We have to reassess the situation every day. No one knows where we will be in June. No one really knows about this virus. “
– You will step down as president in September. But you can’t go on a canceled World Cup…
(laughs) “Yes, yes. My successor is to be appointed in September. I am proud to be able to pass on to him the reins of a Federation in good financial health. But I won’t leave until the storm has passed. A master must not abandon his ship in this situation. “
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