Latvian sports official Viesturs Koziols runs for IIHF Senior Vice President
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has confirmed the candidate list for the upcoming elections, which includes Latvian representative Viesturs Koziols. He is seeking the positions of Senior Vice President, Regional Vice President, and Council member.
The IIHF has published its candidate list ahead of the 2026 Semi-Annual Congress, which will take place on October 2 in Tenerife, Spain. During the congress, representatives of IIHF member national federations will elect the new leadership, which will set the direction for international hockey development over the next four years. A total of 15 council members will be elected, including the President, Senior Vice President, three Regional Vice Presidents, and ten board members. The statutes require gender balance, with at least three men and three women.
Among the candidates is Latvian sports official Viesturs Koziols, who has been involved in hockey and sports infrastructure development for a long time. He is one of the most well-known sports organizers in Latvia. Koziols is aiming for a position in the IIHF leadership structure, running for Senior Vice President, Regional Vice President, and Council member.
IIHF President Luc Tardif emphasized that the organization's strength lies in people ready to invest their experience in international hockey development, highlighting the importance of a transparent and democratic election process. All candidates have passed eligibility checks in accordance with IIHF statutes. The new council will be elected for a four-year term and will be responsible for the federation's strategic direction.
