The case concerning the Russian Ice Hockey Federation is about sending a letter to the KHL team stating that it is mandatory to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The association has also ordered the clubs to put up war-friendly campaign posters during the matches.
The comparison with the Soviet Union
René Fasel, chairman of the International Ice Hockey Federation 1994–2021, was critical of the IIHF's decision to ban Russia and Belarus from upcoming competitions due to the war in Ukraine.
In an interview with Russian state media, Fasel said it was a "sad moment in the history of the IIHF" and noted that the then Soviet Union played against Canada and the United States during the Cold War.
"Even in such a tense situation as today, sport must carry a message of peace and united people," Fazel said.
No disciplinary action has been taken
Fazel is a close friend of Vladimir Putin and has been seen in several major matches with the Russian president.
The ethics committee will therefore investigate whether his relationship with Putin has violated the IIHF's code of ethics.
If the ethics committee considers that a violation has taken place, the matter will be sent to the IIHF's disciplinary committee for a decision on possible punishment.
To date, no disciplinary action has been taken against either Fasel or the Russian Ice Hockey Federation.