Swiss coach went to 2022 Olympics with fake Covid certificate

Patrick Fischer watches a game. The outgoing coach of the Swiss national ice hockey team has admitted that he travelled to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing with a fake coronavirus vaccination certificate but will face no sanctions from the governing body in his country. Matthias Balk/dpa

Outgoing Swiss national ice hockey team Patrick Fischer has admitted that he went to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing with a fake coronavirus vaccination certificate but will face no sanctions from the governing body in his country.

Fischer went public on Monday, saying he was in "an exceptional personal predicament because I did not want to be vaccinated. At the same time I didn't want to let the team down at the Olympic Games.

“Prior to the Winter Olympics in Beijing, I entered China using an invalid COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation, Swiss Olympic (Committee) and those close to me had no knowledge of this,” Fischer said in a statement issued by the federation.

“I recognise that I made a serious mistake in this matter. I stand by this and take full responsibility.”

The 2022 Games in China took place under strict coronavirus regulations.

Fischer has coached the team since 2015 and has led them to three world championship silver medals. He will step down after next month's home worlds in Zurich and Fribourg.

The Swiss ice hockey federation said it was not imposing sanctions because Fischer was convicted in the case as a private individual in 2023 and has borne the full consequences of his actions.

"We have taken note of this and commend Patrick Fischer for going public and clearly admitting his mistake. This demonstrates personal responsibility and character ... As far as we are concerned, the matter is now closed,” federation president Urs Kessler said.