What is the IIHF?
The International Ice Hockey Federation is the world governing body of ice hockey and para ice hockey — founded in Paris in 1908 as the Ligue Internationale de Hockey sur Glace, headquartered in Zurich, and uniting more than 80 national associations.[1] [2]
What does the IIHF govern?
The international rulebook and the championship pyramid: the annual World Championship and its divisions, the Women's World Championship, the World Juniors and U18 Worlds — plus Olympic ice hockey with the IOC, the IIHF World Ranking, and international transfer cards for players moving between national federations.[2] [3]
Who leads it?
President Luc Tardif of France, elected in 2021 — the federation's era-defining work being the NHL's Olympic return at Milano Cortina 2026, negotiated with the league and players' association.[1] [4]
Why does the IIHF matter?
Every national-team credential in hockey — Olympic, Worlds and junior rosters, ranking positions — and every international transfer card runs through the IIHF and its member associations: the official paper trail of the world game.[2] [3]
References
- IIHF — Inside IIHF / history. Accessed August 2026.
- IIHF — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- IIHF — World Ranking. Accessed August 2026.
- NHL — NHL player participation in 2026 Olympics finalized. Accessed August 2026.