The IFF has learnt of the sad news that our Ethics Commission (ETC) chair Mr. Harri Syväsalmi has passed away last week, after a long illness.

Mr. Syväsalmi was elected as the IFF ETC Chair in 2000 and brought a lot of experience and knowledge to the table, due to his vast and successful career in both Finland and Internationally.

Mr. Syväsalmi had during his long career in both the Finnish and the international sports field held a number of very prestigious positions, among others as the one of the founders of WADA and the organisations first secretary general 2000-2003 and in various leading position in the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. He retired as the secretary general of the Finnish Center for Sports Ethics.

“Having worked with Harri and learned from his experience, in different roles for over 30 years, it is with deep sadness I received the news of his passing. We are very grateful for the time he has given the IFF and would like to express our most sincere condolences to his family and friends” says IFF secretary general John Liljelund.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Syväsalmi’s friends and family at this difficult time.