Switzerland’s men’s hockey coach admits to using fake COVID-19 certificate to participate in 2022 Olympics
In a statement on the team’s social media channels, Switzerland’s men’s national hockey team coach Patrick Fischer admitted to using a fake certificate claiming he had received the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China.
The Chinese government required travelers to Beijing to have received the vaccine four years ago.
“Apart from this incident, I have always abided by the law and am aware of my role as a role model,” Fischer said in a translated statement on the federation’s website. “I am very sorry if I disappointed anyone with this situation. I was in an exceptional personal crisis because I didn’t want to be vaccinated. Nevertheless, I absolutely did not want to let my team down at the Olympic Games.”
Swiss-based public broadcaster SRF reported that it received documents showing Fischer was fined around $50,000 USD for using a forged document he purchased on social media.
Fischer has worked with the national team program since the 2012-13 season. It started with him helping out the World Juniors team for the 2013 World Juniors, and he’d go on to serve as an assistant with the men’s team until getting the head coach job in 2015-16. Fischer has led the team ever since, which includes appearances at the past three Olympics. Switzerland has become a consistent threat at the men’s level over the past decade. The team has taken home silver at the World Championship four times, including in 2024 and 2025.
As a player, Fischer represented Switzerland at the 2002 and 2006 Olympics, and even had a 27-game stint with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2006-07.
Fischer had already elected not to renew his contract as coach of the Swiss national team for 2026-27 back in December. The upcoming IIHF World Championship – taking place in Switzerland from May 15-31 – will be his last duties with the club.
“We have discussed the matter thoroughly with Fischer,” Swiss Ice Hockey Federation president Urs Kessler said. “He has accepted the consequences. For us, the matter is now closed.”