SRF journalist returns to screen as ex-coach Fischer accuses broadcaster of breaking off-the-record pact

The return

Pascal Schmitz returned to Swiss television on Tuesday evening, appearing as an outdoor reporter for the SRF programme 'Schweiz aktuell'. The segment covered road safety for children learning to cycle. According to SRF, Schmitz had already rejoined the newsroom in mid-May after being pulled from on-air duties in late April. A studio moderation role is planned for the end of June, though the broadcaster noted that changes remain possible at any time.

Schmitz's absence followed a 'Weltwoche' report that unearthed Facebook posts from over 15 years ago containing racist, insulting and partly sexist remarks. The posts were apparently deleted shortly after the story broke, and Schmitz later apologised "in aller Form" for the comments. He also stepped down as stadium announcer for the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, a role he had held for 14 years.

Fischer's accusations

On the same day Schmitz reappeared on screen, former national ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer published a 35-minute YouTube interview with communications consultant and former journalist Peter Röthlisberger. Fischer alleged that SRF broke a verbal off-the-record agreement made during a lunch at his home in Altstetten, where he disclosed that he had purchased a forged Covid-19 certificate.

I misjudged the situation. I was too open — that was a mistake.

Fischer claimed that SIHF media chief Finn Sulzer clearly stated at the table that the conversation was not intended for the public, and that Schmitz confirmed this verbally. He further asserted that Schmitz sent an email the following day acknowledging the off-the-record understanding.

The disputed email

During the interview, Röthlisberger read an excerpt from an email Schmitz sent to Sulzer: "Ich schreibe dir bezüglich unseres 'off-the-record'-Gesprächs am Mittagstisch in Altstetten. Mir ist die Bedeutung einer 'off-the-record'-Vereinbarung sehr bewusst, und ich nehme dies ernst." Fischer and Röthlisberger did not read the remainder of the message.

SRF responded by stating that the full email tells a different story. According to the broadcaster, Sulzer sought to impose an off-the-record condition after the lunch had already taken place. Schmitz's reply merely referenced the federation's wording without confirming any prior agreement. SRF added that in the same email, Schmitz made clear he could not simply ignore Fischer's statements and intended to offer both Fischer and the federation an opportunity to comment, in consultation with the editorial team.

An off-the-record agreement must be made in advance, explicitly and mutually — that is a recognised journalistic principle. That was not the case here.

SRF also noted that the disclosure occurred during a filming day for a portrait documentary, in a clearly professional setting with the media chief and a cameraman present, not in a pre-arranged off-the-record conversation.

Federation investigation

On Tuesday, the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation told watson that an administrative investigation into the affair is ongoing. The probe aims to clarify the relevant processes and responsibilities. However, the federation declined to provide any interim findings, details on who has been questioned, or a timeline for completion. It also stated that even after the investigation concludes, the results will not be made public. Relevant findings will be forwarded to Swiss Sport Integrity.

Fischer's stance

Fischer acknowledged that he failed in his role-model duty as national coach by purchasing a forged certificate, but maintained that as a private individual he had upheld his responsibilities. He was fined 38,190 Swiss francs for document forgery and ultimately lost his job. In the interview, he expressed regret not for the criminal act itself but for having trusted SRF and Schmitz, a position that drew criticism in Swiss media for a perceived lack of self-reflection.