WPBSA confirms suspension

Enquiry will be headed by David Douglas

Last updated: 2nd May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

WPBSA confirms suspension

Hearn: utmost urgency

Also see

John Higgins has been suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, the sport's world governing body has confirmed.

The move follows the newspaper allegations that he and his manager Pat Mooney agreed to accept money to influence the outcome of future matches.

New world number one Higgins and Mooney were filmed by the News of the World allegedly agreeing to accept £261,000 in return for fixing the outcome of four frames in matches to be played later this year.

In a statement, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Barry Hearn announced: "Pat Mooney has resigned from the WPBSA Board and his resignation has been accepted, with immediate effect.

"John Higgins has been suspended from future WPBSA tournaments, pending an immediate enquiry.

"The WPBSA enquiry will be headed by David Douglas and will be carried out with the utmost urgency.

"There is a process to follow in accordance with WPBSA rules, this process has been initiated.

"This matter has brought the very fabric of the game into question and the strongest possible message needs to be sent out that this behaviour has no part to play in our game and will not be tolerated. Any wrong doing will be severely dealt with."

Click Here for Your Free Bet