International Ice Hockey Federation ::: Project ETERNITY

Founded in 1908, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), is a federation of member national hockey associations governing the sport of ice hockey and in-line hockey for both men and women.

The IIHF runs most of ice hockey's international tournaments, although its role in the recent 2004 World Cup of Hockey was limited as that was a joint venture between the National Hockey League and that league's players' union. There are significant differences in the codes used by the IIHF (mostly in Europe) and the NHL (in North America). Nonetheless, the IIHF maintains a close working relationship with the NHL, and NHL players frequently take part in the various IIHF World Championships.

The IIHF has significantly more influence over the professional leagues in Europe. Here, the governing body has authority that is comparable to FIFA and/or UEFA in soccer. The European leagues invariably follow IIHF rules on the ice, and the IIHF runs tournaments for both the professional clubs as well as European championships for the national teams. The IIHF also has broad power to discipline players, including the issue of European-wide bans for conduct deemed deserving of such action. This can include conduct in the NHL, as the IIHF's recent action against Todd Bertuzzi demonstates.

Decisions of the IIHF can be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

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Category:Ice hockey

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