WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson says Ronnie O’Sullivan is free to sign contract at any time
Recently the snooker world is witnessing another controversy in the professional circuit. The four-time World Snooker Champion from England, Ronnie O’Sullivan has refused to sign the contract of the new snooker season following his statement that he wants
a break in his run. The Essex Exocet wants to play in selective snooker events in the recent season.
The snooker governing body, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has now responded to the Rocket’s statement and has cleared that O’Sullivan is free to choose his snooker event because the WPBSA does not compel the players that they
have to play all the tournaments. However, whenever he is playing any contest, he must sign the contract first otherwise he will not be able to play any match.
While speaking to the local media, WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said, “I'd like to clarify the WPBSA's position in relation to the official players' contract and end the misconception that players are being 'forced' into playing certain events.”
He added, “Once players have signed the contract they are free to choose which events they wish to play in. Ronnie O'Sullivan of course is free to sign the contract at any time during the season which would make him eligible to play in World Snooker events,
but it is important to note that signing the players' contract does not in itself compel any player to enter any World Snooker tournaments.”
On the other hand, World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn stated that they cannot change the rules for one player’s requirements. It is mandatory for all the players to sign the contract to play in the season. Nevertheless, a player is free to choose an event
to take part. As far as O’Sullivan is concerned, he can play in the season at any time during the pro circuit.
The Rocket hinted his plan of not playing in the current season after the finish of the 2012 World Snooker Championship. He was unhappy with World Snooker’s addition of more snooker events in the calendar and believed that this many events do not allow the
players to have free time.
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