alt Deloitte AG will conduct the inquiry into allegations that International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President Rene Fasel (pictured) benefited financially from marketing deals for the World Championships.

 

A spokesman for the IIHF said: "The IIHF council has conducted a selection process and Deloitte AG was appointed after serious consideration of several highly skilled candidates.

 

"The inquiry serves to examine the allegations and to serve the IIHF's duties in respect of good governance."

 

A Swiss newspaper reported last month that a company run by a childhood friend of Fasel, identified only as Y.S., received more than $1 million (£716,000) from 2004 to 2008 via IIHF broadcast and marketing agency Infront Sports and Media.

 

Fasel, the chairman of the International Olympic Committee's Co-ordination Commission for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, admitted helping a friend offer services to Infront, but denied receiving any bonus or commission.

 

The IIHF said it would make no further comment while the inquiry is on.

 

Fasel said: "The sooner the better.

 

“This kind of attack, especially the timing was really bad during the World Championship.

 

“In my position I have to accept that people are starting to do this kind of validation, I’m not the first one in this position in sport.

 

"We will tell the report when it's over.”