While the 2025 World Cup is undergoing its course in Denmark and Sweden, while Switzerland fulfilled its mission during its first two matches (defeat in overtime against Czech Republic, victory against Denmark) before measuring itself in the United States this Monday at 4:20 p.m., Fédo oils are also working on more political files. We take stock with Marc-Anthony Anner, interim president of Swiss Ice Hockey who will multiply the round trips between the Chablais and the skating rinks of the Old Continent by May 25.
Marc-Anthony Anner, should we really present to you as an interim president of Swiss Ice Hockey or have you abandoned the particle on the way?
I always have the particle. Even if I take a lot of pleasure in this function, even if many people in economic, political and sporting circles, in Switzerland and internationally, encourage me to stay in this position, I will not do so. As exciting and exciting as it may be, this function is not compatible in the long term with the requirements of my professional obligations (Editor’s note: Director of the school in Ollon Villars Gryon). I am lucky to have an extraordinary employer who brings me all his support, but the days are surprisingly always 24 hours …
When you are an interim, do you really work? Or do we clog the holes before the arrival of a new president?
Oh, this provocative (laughter))! In the past six months, internally, with our CEO (Martin Baumann), I worked to strengthen trust and cooperation within the organization. Go see: we feel a positive dynamic. Our staff, and I’m talking about a hundred employees counting the coaches, come to work with pleasure. We have set up a more human functioning based on confidence.
And externally?
We were also able to set important milestones outside. I am particularly happy that we were able to win with Denner a strong main sponsor, which shares our values and identify with the image of Swiss Ice Hockey. This shows that our work and our orientation are convincing.
Take care of the next generation
Certainly. But, at the same time, the Swiss team M18 records its first relegation in 20 years. We can’t say you’ve just done …
Of course. Now that it happened, we will make sure to transform this failure into luck. What is important today is that we are united as a community and we find solutions together. I am convinced that we, as a federation, as well as the clubs, will have active and constructive exchanges on this fundamental subject. I will stay on the board of directors of Swiss Ice Hockey, especially as president of the amateur league, and I make a commitment to act so that our young people are put in good conditions.
Can too much Swissness harm Swissness?
In the Swiss team A, we have a Swedish assistant; In our professional arbitration, we have a German, a Canadian, a Finn. We advocate swissness, but we are open to the world. The general public does not always see behind -the -scenes exchanges, where our coaches chat with counterparts from other countries.
You are probably alluding to behind the scenes of Euro Hockey Tour where Switzerland has taken the place of Russia, suspended from international competitions. When the Russians will come back, will Switzerland be returned to its 18 annual matches against the Slovaks?
I can just tell you that the Swedes, the Finns and the Czechs like us very much. And then, in these tournaments, we talk about a lot of things and we realize that we all have the same concerns, including that of making our 2nd divisions attractive. These exchanges of ideas and experiences are very useful.
Fan of zone fans
It means that you frequent oils and that you no longer follow pieces of matches with fans in the Kops? Aren’t you in the process of killing yourself?
But then not at all! I spend much more time in the fans areas and the stands to chat with supporters than in the so -called VIP sectors.
Even at the World Cup?
Especially at the World Cup!
In a year, the world championship will take place in Switzerland. Will you assume a role?
Yes, I agreed to be the chairman of the board of directors of the 2026 World Championship. This is a nice challenge …
