Franz Reindl was formerly president of the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB). © dpa / Tobias Hase

A German becomes the most important ice hockey official in the world

Shortly before his 72nd birthday – and thus at the very last minute – Franz Reindl finally achieved his great goal on his second attempt: He will become president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

02 October 2026

From: dpa

At the IIHF Congress in Tenerife, the 1976 Olympic bronze medalist narrowly prevailed in the second round of voting with 60:57 votes over Petr Briza from the Czech Republic.

Reindl succeeds the Frenchman Luc Tardif (73), against whom Reindl lost the election five years ago. That election was accompanied by allegations of embezzlement against Reindl. The public prosecutor's investigation was later dropped. "It certainly influenced the election," Reindl said in a recent interview. Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Tardif only four years in office

Tardif did not run for re-election this time. For Reindl, it was his last chance. According to the statutes, a candidate may be no older than 72; Reindl will turn 72 in November. He will therefore be ineligible to run in the next election in 2030.

The 2026 Olympic final was packed with NHL stars, and that's how it should always be in the future. © ANSA / FAZRY ISMAIL

“You behave differently when you have to be re-elected,” said Reindl, who sees improving communication with the NHL as his biggest challenge, so as not to have “the same drama before every Olympic Games.” He was referring to the recurring challenge of getting NHL players to participate in the Olympics. In February in Milan, the world’s best players participated for the first time since Sochi in 2014, following difficult negotiations.

World Cup reform possible

It's also conceivable that Reindl is aiming for a reorganization of the World Championship tournaments. This would be possible from 2033 onwards. However, the necessary conditions would have to be created during Reindl's term in office. The World Championships are held annually in May, primarily for financial reasons. At that time, the NHL playoffs are still underway, meaning that only a portion of the NHL professionals can participate. "Whether every year, every two, three, or four years – there are many ideas," said Reindl.

A recent problem for the IIHF has been the NHL's desire to re-establish the World Cup of Hockey, which it previously organized only sporadically, as a regular event. This tournament, featuring the biggest NHL stars, would then be in constant competition with the IIHF World Championship. "It's important that the calendars are coordinated. I think we can manage that," said Reindl.

The Garmisch-Partenkirchen native won the German championship three times as a player with SC Riessersee and Sportbund Rosenheim. He served as sports director, general secretary, managing director, and president of the German Ice Hockey Federation from 2014 to 2022. He also temporarily served as national coach in 2004.