Release from 27.01.2026

Fine for Salzburg Head Coach Manny Viveiros

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Head Coach Manny Viveiros has been fined EUR 2,600.00 for damaging the sporting integrity of the win2day ICE Hockey League through comments made in the “post-game interview” of Game #233 on January 11, 2026, between HC Falkensteiner Pustertal and EC Red Bull Salzburg.

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Decision of the ICE Legal Commission in Detail

“Post-Game Interview” – Manny Viveiros, Game #233 | HCP vs RBS
A fine of EUR 2,600.00, of which EUR 1,300.00 is suspended with a probation period of 24 months, has been imposed on EC Red Bull Salzburg Head Coach Manny Viveiros for damaging the sporting integrity of the win2day ICE Hockey League, in accordance with the ICE Hockey League Game Book – Part I | Disciplinary Measures – Chapter IV Substantive Law – §2 Disciplinary Measures and Guidelines – (1) Disciplinary Measures | Damage to Sporting Integrity.

Justification
Through statements made during a live TV broadcast, the coach publicly created the impression that referee decisions and the evaluation of those decisions by the league’s competent bodies were neither objective nor consistent. In particular, by criticizing allegedly uncalled penalties and implicitly questioning the review process of such incidents, the coach insinuated improper officiating.

This conduct constitutes a breach of the clause on damage to sporting integrity under Part I | Disciplinary Measures. The applicable penalty range defined by the ICE Hockey League Game Book is a fine from EUR 500.00 to EUR 25,000.00.

The integrity, objectivity, and impartiality of a league organization — especially that of the win2day ICE Hockey League — represent the highest protected values of a professional sports organization. Trust in the neutrality of referees and in the proper functioning of the league’s supervisory and decision-making bodies is fundamental to the acceptance of sporting competition.

Public statements made without credible evidence, without factual differentiation, and without formal involvement of the competent bodies — particularly when they suggest systemic errors or negligence — are capable of causing lasting harm to the product, reputation, and credibility of the win2day ICE Hockey League. This applies especially when such statements are made in live streaming broadcasts and thereby reach a wide national and international audience.

Aggravating factor: Public statement during a live streaming broadcast.

Mitigating factor: Interview conducted immediately after the game, possible emotional exceptional situation.

Additional note: 50% of the fine (EUR 1,300.00) is suspended with a 24-month probation period. Should similar actions or remarks occur within this period, the suspended part of the fine will become payable. According to the “Repeat Offender Regulation” of the win2day ICE Hockey League, any future penalties will then be increased by 50% and include the suspended fine.