In a surprising revelation, outgoing Swiss national ice hockey head coach Patrick Fischer has admitted to attending the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics with a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation has announced he will face no further sanctions from the governing body.

Fischer went public with the admission on Monday, explaining he was caught in what he called "an exceptional personal predicament." He stated, "I did not want to be vaccinated. At the same time I didn't want to let the team down at the Olympic Games." According to a federation statement, Fischer confirmed that neither the hockey federation, the Swiss Olympic Committee, nor those close to him were aware of his actions at the time.

The 2022 Games were held under notoriously strict pandemic protocols, making vaccination a key requirement for participation. Fischer, who has helmed the Swiss team since 2015 and led them to three World Championship silver medals, acknowledged his error, saying, "I recognise that I made a serious mistake in this matter. I stand by this and take full responsibility."

The federation cited Fischer's prior conviction as a private individual in 2023 for the forgery as the reason for not imposing additional sporting sanctions, stating he has "borne the full consequences of his actions." Federation president Urs Kessler commended Fischer's public accountability, saying, "This demonstrates personal responsibility and character... As far as we are concerned, the matter is now closed."

Fischer's successful tenure, which includes elevating Switzerland into a consistent world hockey contender, will conclude after next month's home World Championship in Zurich and Fribourg.