Franz Reindl is the new president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, securing the position on Friday at the IIHF congress in Tenerife after a close runoff vote. The 71-year-old German official, who previously ran for the post in 2021, emerged victorious from an initial field of nine candidates following withdrawals and a decisive 60-57 final ballot against former Czechoslovakia and Czech national goaltender Petr Bříza.
Congress Delegates Elect Reindl in Tenerife
The presidential election at the IIHF congress required two distinct ballots to determine a successor to outgoing president Luc Tardif. In the initial round of voting, Petr Bříza established an early lead with 48 ballots cast in his favor, while Franz Reindl collected 36. Six of the original nine candidates withdrew from the contest before voting commenced. During the subsequent runoff, Reindl secured 60 votes to Bříza’s 57, earning a mandate to lead the international governing body through October 2030.
German Federation Welcomes Leadership Transition
Officials within the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) greeted the election outcome with strong approval, highlighting Reindl’s decades-long involvement in the sport. Frank Lutz, the chief executive of the DEB, said the appointment was significant for German ice hockey because the international community recognized Reindl's extensive administrative contributions. The leadership change arrives just seven and a half months before Germany hosts the 2027 IIHF World Championship, with scheduled tournament fixtures set for Düsseldorf, Mannheim, and Gelsenkirchen.
Historical Precedent for German Administration
Reindl becomes only the second German to hold the office of IIHF president in the history of the federation. The previous German official to lead world ice hockey was Günther Sabetzki, who held the presidency from 1975 to 1994. Reindl’s election follows the tenure of Frenchman Luc Tardif, who assumed the role five years ago after defeating Reindl 67-39 in a runoff vote. Tardif opted not to seek another term at this year’s congress.
Immediate Governance Challenges Await the New President
Reindl assumes leadership amid complex diplomatic and operational hurdles for international hockey. The new president must manage the International Olympic Committee's recommendations regarding the potential return of Russian national teams to international competition, a topic that faces resistance from several influential hockey federations. The expansionist schedule of the North American National Hockey League—including the planned World Cup in February 2028—presents structural challenges to the IIHF's traditional annual world championship calendar. Prior to the vote, Reindl told the Sport-Informations-Dienst that the federation requires a steady hand, extensive experience, and effective communication to bridge divisions within the global hockey community.
Reindl Played for National Team Before Leading DEB
Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Reindl began his professional playing career in 1972 with SC Riessersee, eventually representing the national team as a forward across three Olympic Winter Games—including winning a bronze medal at the 1976 Games in Innsbruck—and eight world championships. After concluding his playing career in 1988, he transitioned into coaching and sports administration, serving as DEB president from 2014 until 2022. His previous bid for the IIHF presidency in 2021 was complicated by governance inquiries regarding his compensation as managing director of the DEB GmbH, though those investigations began in early 2022 prior to his departure from the national federation in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IIHF Leadership Election
When and where did the IIHF presidential election take place?
The election took place on Friday at the IIHF congress held on the island of Tenerife.
How many candidates originally contested the presidency?
Nine candidates initially entered the race, but six withdrew before the voting process began.
What was the final vote count in the decisive ballot?
Franz Reindl defeated Petr Bříza by a margin of 60 to 57 votes in the runoff.
How long is Reindl’s term as IIHF president scheduled to last?
Reindl will hold the IIHF presidency until at least October 2030.
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