Might the World Snooker Tour divide due to investment from Saudi Arabia?
Whispers have been going around for a while that external financial benefactors from Saudi Arabia are attempting to establish a competing tour to the Principal Tour of the World Snooker Tour (WST). Several players are being enticed with large sums of money.
Details are starting to emerge
The rumors of a potential snooker rival tour by Saudi Arabian financiers are gaining momentum. In recent days, supposed details have been leaked out to the media. Judd Trump, aged 34, has even admitted that a specific proposal was made to him. Is snooker in danger of being divided?
According to rumors, the investors from Saudi Arabia have been reaching out privately to various players. They have offered an astounding sum of £350,000 (approx. €406,717) for these players to switch to the rival tour.
Some snooker pros have now spoken up and shared their experiences with the offers from Saudi Arabian sponsors.
Judd Trump refuses the offer from the competition
During the 2024 Snooker World Championship, Judd Trump talked about the offer he had received for a competing tour a few months back. Trump declined the offer:
'Some people have attempted to contact me, but I wasn't interested. If they try to contact me or my brother, I just tell them to leave us alone. I'm extremely content where I am and with the tournaments I'm participating in."- Judd Trump, snooker player, Yahoo
In this context, Trump stressed that he was interested in tournaments in places with rich histories. For him, it was about the game and the battle that mattered. He wanted to win trophies and not get them for free against easy opponents. He feels at home on the WST Main Tour and also believes that his parents are proud of him.
Shaun Murphy seeks clear commitments
Shaun Murphy, 41, the 2005 World Champion, also commented on the talks surrounding possible financial backers from Saudi Arabia in the last few days. He has not been contacted by anyone and has no interest in a rival tour.
However, Murphy noticed that the topic was being discussed amongst snooker players. He thinks it's a shame if players were to leave the WST Main Tour:
'These players have taken from the sport time and time again and want to take more, and I wish them the best of luck with that. It's a shame they haven't thought about putting a bit more into a tour that has given them so much before leaving" - Shaun Murphy, snooker player, Mirror*
Murphy believes that players who would participate in a competitive tour should be excluded from the WST. He's not a fan of players moving back and forth. He also raised concerns about whether the promised windfall would continue.
Is the Snooker World Championship moving to Saudi Arabia?
As discussions about possible financial backers from Saudi Arabia continue, the relocation of the Snooker World Championship is also becoming a concern. During the tournament, some players expressed their unhappiness with the Crucible Theatre, the venue for the Cazoo Snooker World Championship.
Check out this post on InstagramA post shared by WST (@worldsnookertour)
The current contract with the theater complex runs until 2027, so the World Championship will take place as usual at the traditional Crucible in Sheffield. However, Barry Hearn, 75, the chairman of the WST, has been critical about the Crucible meaning it can't hold a candle to other venues.
He suggested Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, as a potential new home for the Snooker World Championship. A few days before the start of the 2024 Snooker World Championship, Ronnie O'Sullivan mentioned Saudi Arabia as a fantastic location for the Cazoo Snooker World Championship.
Ronnie O'Sullivan seeks recognition
Seven-time world champion and snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, 48, has also been open about the rumors. O'Sullivan is known for placing great importance on receiving appropriate payment for his performances.
However, a possible switch to a rival tour seems improbable. O'Sullivan recently signed a three-year contract tying him to the WST.
Nevertheless, he has expressed his dissatisfaction in recent weeks and appears to be open to other offers:
'I want to be taken care of, I want to be indulged. If you want to indulge and take care of me, then I'm your man. I'm here - best offer, talk to me." - Ronnie O'Sullivan, snooker player, NTV
He was not happy with the catering at the Crucible Theatre during the World Snooker Championship. Players were only served tea and lasagna - not good enough for him.
O'Sullivan has already shown he has no qualms about playing in Saudi Arabia during the Snooker Riyadh Season World Masters. The Rocket won the tournament and praised after the tournament the excellent catering on site.
Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) shared his thoughts in March 2024:
WST Open to Compromise
World Snooker Trail (WST) addressed the ongoing speculations about Saudi Arabian financial backers joining snooker and their impact on the sport. The organization acknowledged the hesitation but stressed its willingness to negotiate a compromise.
The current monopoly of WST isn't favorable for snooker. Players are permitted to participate in alternative tournaments and events, totaling 12 weeks in a season. However, these events can't coincide with WST events.
Players Signed Confidentiality Agreements
Shaun Murphy, in an English-language interview, sheds light on the absence of information about Saudi Arabian backing and the players involved. He reveals that several players might have signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). But, Murphy, who had no intention to sign an NDA, won't reveal details for fear of reprisals from organizers or players breaking their agreements.
The extent of Saudi Arabian involvement in the sport remains unclear and it's uncertain if any players would ultimately agree to play in a Saudi Arabian tournament circuit.
Read also:
- Columbia University Faces Possible Expulsion Following Demonstrations
- Football turmoil in Munich: Last-minute penalty stuns Bayern
- Steinmeier Faces Backlash Over "Expert Caliber" Remark
- US State Department Lacks Own Standards in Regard to Israel
Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
