January 12th 2025.
A major lawsuit worth £10.2 million is looming over the world of snooker. The World Snooker Tour has made it clear that they reject and will strongly defend the claims made against them in this lawsuit, which was launched in the Competition Appeal Tribunal. According to NST Worldwide, there have been unlawful and anti-competitive practices in place that have prevented snooker players from participating in tournaments, events, or matches organized by competing promoters.
Interestingly, NST Worldwide has some notable names behind it, including seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, who holds a stake in the company. Additionally, the chairman of World Seniors Snooker, Jason Francis, and lawyer Mayus Karia are directors of the company. In a recent statement on social media, Francis announced that their company has taken legal action against World Snooker Ltd, its holding company World Snooker Holdings Ltd, and the WPBSA. They claim that these organizations have abused their dominant position and have engaged in anti-competitive practices that have hindered the growth of competing promoters, such as NST.
The infringements being cited relate to the setting of unfair and anti-competitive provisions in the contractual relationships between World Snooker Ltd and professional snooker players. Additionally, there are claims that World Snooker Ltd has deliberately prevented players from participating in tournaments organized by other promoters, including NST. As a result, NST is seeking £10.2 million in damages, along with interest and declarations from the court to invalidate the unfair terms used by World Snooker Ltd to maintain their dominant position and create barriers for competitors.
In response, the World Snooker Tour has released a brief statement, stating that they reject these claims and will defend themselves against them. It is worth noting that professional players sign a contract with the WST that restricts them from competing in any outside events while WST tournaments are taking place, unless they are granted permission. Although there have been some negotiations over the terms of this contract, players still have limited freedom to participate in non-WST events, and are only allowed to do so on dates that do not clash with WST tournaments, unless they receive special permission.
Recently, Jason Francis proposed a series of four events featuring some of the biggest names in snooker, which were set to be broadcast on Channel 4. However, only two of these events were sanctioned by the WST, causing some tension. In an interview, Francis shared that they believe the current restrictions imposed on WST players are illegal and that World Snooker is abusing their dominant position by not allowing competition into the market. He also expressed frustration with the WPBSA for allegedly working alongside World Snooker to keep other promoters out of the market.
Shaun Murphy, chairman of the WPBSA Players Board, has acknowledged that the renegotiated contract has provided players with more freedom, but for some, it has not gone far enough. He stated that as a director of the WPBSA, he cannot comment on the specifics of the lawsuit, but believes that the current contract still restricts players from fully pursuing their career. He also mentioned that the players' board will not get involved in the lawsuit and will instead observe from the sidelines.
Coincidentally, the same day that Francis announced the lawsuit, Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrew from the Masters tournament, where he was set to play against John Higgins. However, he has been replaced by Neil Robertson, and it is worth noting that O'Sullivan insists that his withdrawal has nothing to do with the lawsuit. According to Francis, O'Sullivan's decision was purely for the sake of his mental health, as he has been open about his struggles with anxiety. A source also told The Sun that O'Sullivan has no personal issues with WST or Matchroom, despite not being involved in the lawsuit.
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