Snooker authorities have referred the John Higgins case to an independent service used to resolve sporting issues.
Higgins case referred as investigation into match fixing continues
Snooker authorities have referred the John Higgins case to Sport Resolutions UK, an independent service used to resolve sporting issues.
The world number one is currently suspended from snooker after claims were made by the News of the World newspaper that he agreed to throw frames for money.
35-year-old Higgins has vigorously denied the claims, which were accompanied by a video of Higgins allegedly agreeing to lose frames on purpose for cash.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association last month, and now they have referred the investigation to Sport Resolutions UK.
A WPBSA statement read: "The WPBSA disciplinary committee has resolved to refer an investigation arising from the News of the World newspaper's report of May 2, 2010, which contained allegations against John Higgins and Pat Mooney, to a hearing board convened under the auspices of Sport Resolutions UK."
Rules
David Douglas, head of the WPBSA's disciplinary committee, said: "Sport Resolutions deals with cases in various sports and is named in WPBSA disciplinary rules.
"It is completely independent of the WPBSA and we have no doubt that it will bring a fair conclusion to this matter."
The allegation that Higgins offered to lose specific frames in four future matches rocked snooker on day one of the Betfred.com World Championship final.
WPBSA chairman Barry Hearn said at the time: "Clearly, if allegations were founded you would be talking about a very, very, very lengthy ban.
"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."
Higgins, a three-time snooker world champion, has vowed to "vigorously defend" himself and insisted he is "100% innocent".
Unfounded
A spokesman for Higgins later issued a statement reiterating the player's determination to prove the allegations were unfounded.
It read: "John Higgins is completely focused on clearing his name and his legal team will vigorously defend any professional complaint made against him relating to this issue.
"We would remind everyone of John's earlier statement: 'I have never been involved in any form of snooker match fixing. In my 18 years playing professional snooker I have never deliberately missed a shot, never mind intentionally lost a frame or a match'.
"John Higgins is unwavering in his commitment to snooker - the sport he loves."
