Following the decision by a number of top players to opt for lucrative exhibitions in Asia over competing in WST ranking events, WST has published this statement:
World Snooker Tour (“WST”) Statement
The WST is disappointed to hear that a number of players under contract with the WST have elected not to play in a WST event, preferring instead to play in a non-sanctioned event in Macau thereby being in breach of the terms of their player contract.
Following recent speculation and the publication of an article containing many inaccuracies, the WST would like to make its position clear regarding non-sanctioned exhibition events.
It is important to stress that WST players do not have to enter all WST events, they have the freedom to choose, which has always been the case. This level of freedom is unlike any other sport where players have voluntarily opted to enter contracts with their club/organisation. However, with this level of freedom we do make clear in our player contracts that a player must not do anything that is detrimental to the WST or a WST event. It is without doubt that playing in a non-sanctioned event instead of playing in a WST event is detrimental to that WST event.
Given the exhibition event in Macau directly clashes with the final stages of the Northern Ireland Open, a player’s participation in it would constitute a breach of their player contract given that to compete in Macau, the player would not be available to compete in the Northern Ireland Open thereby devaluing the Northern Ireland Open.
Unfortunately, despite engaging in email correspondence and phone calls intended to best explain our position and enable the players to make informed decisions, five players (four of whom are ranked within the top 16) have decided not to compete in the Northern Ireland Open and have withdrawn their entry in order to play in Macau. These players are Mark Selby, John Higgins, Luca Brecel, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Ali Carter, none of whom will therefore appear in Belfast.
As a result, if these players decide to participate in the exhibition in Macau, the WST will have no alternative but to refer them to the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee for breach of their player contract, and this has been clearly communicated to the players.
Taking necessary action in these circumstances protects WST events on behalf of the fans who attend and follow our events through television and social media, our sponsors/commercial partners, broadcasters/streaming partners and most importantly, the other 125 members of the WST.
WST has always been and will continue to be supportive of a player’s earning opportunities outside of the WST provided that these do not distract, devalue, or conflict with the WST or a WST event. Players and promoters have ample opportunity to play in and host non-sanctioned events during gaps in the WST calendar. The WST does not therefore support any clash with a WST event and would consider a player’s decision to prioritise a non-sanctioned event clashing with a WST event to be a breach of their player contract, as this would undoubtedly result in sizeable financial implications to the WST including loss of broadcast income, and sponsorship and ticket sales revenue let alone losses due to any reputational damage.
We reiterate that we are running the sport for all 130 players on the WST, and this will always be our guiding principle.
I’m not sure where to start with this statement.
Despite being now guaranteed a minimal 20000 pounds in earnings, the players are essentially self-employed. For the ones possibly nearing the end of their career, with no guaranteed retirement money, it is a logical, rational, decision to try to maximise their incomes whilst they still can. Three of the players involved are over 40, therefore, clearly in that situation. Surely WST can see that.
In the paragraph I have put on a green background, WST argues that the players opting for Macau devaluate the 2023 Northern Ireland Open. It is true that if the top players are not at an event, it is harder to promote it, however, I don’t see how, by playing in Macau, they would directly harm the event more than by just not entering it, which would be their right. The fans intending to attend the NI Open are unlikely to book a plane to Macau to watch that exhibition instead. The players in question do indeed send a signal that the WST events are not attractive enough to them but … I think that WST should have a very good look at themselves and the way they run the sport here, in particular there should be more focus on the quality of the venues, the facilities they provide to players and fans: hospitality, resting rooms, practice rooms, general comfort and cleanness, quality of the food on offer, etc… They also need to have a good look at their calendar. Other than the money on offer here, there is the fact that the NI Open is sandwiched between two important, lucrative ranking events in China. Going back and forth through continents and time zones is tiring and costly. Those players, who will not need to qualify for the Scottish Open, and will play held-over matches at the International Championship may find it more efficient, and less demanding on their bodies and mind to just stay in China. I can’t blame them, as a lot of upsets this week are clearly fatigue related. If they are offered some earning opportunities on top of that, why should they not take them?
I’m not saying that WST task is easy, it isn’t, but this whole situation is not all black and white. They have a responsibility in this situation. That’s a fact, whether they want to accept it or not. Yes, they do run the sport for all players, but those top players are the ones bringing the dosh on board, alienating them will NOT help in the long term at all.
Snooker is clearly in a crisis and I’m not sure that a heavy handed approach is the way to resolve it. More flexibility is needed, and departing from the rigid money based ranking system would definitely make it easier. One size doesn’t fit all. The needs of the young up and coming players are not the same as the needs of those with 25 years + in the professional job, and family responsibilities.
The tour needs to change, before it snaps…
The World Snooker Tour is delighted to announce 
