World number one John Higgins in action. He and his manager were filmed by the News of the World newspaper, allegedly agreeing to accept £261,000 in return for arranging the outcome of four frames in matches to be played later this yearSnooker's governing body threatened to suspend its No 1 player today over allegations he was willing to take bribes.
Footage of world champion John Higgins and his manager allegedly agreeing to accept £261,000 in return for arranging the outcome of four frames in matches was published in the News of the World.
On the day the World Championship final - the biggest match in snooker's calendar - begins, snooker chief Barry Hearn said he was 'absolutely mortified'
The World Snooker chairman promised a decision within hours on the immediate future of Higgins, 34, and Pat Mooney in the sport.
Mr Hearn told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek: "I've read the piece, I've seen the video, I would imagine I can't see any reason not to suspend him at this moment in time.
'We'll make a decision within the next 24 hours on how we're going to play it.'
Higgins, a millionaire father-of-three from Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, was captured on camera shaking hands on the deal to fix matches, according to the newspaper.
The meeting was said to have taken place with undercover reporters posing as businessmen in Kiev after Higgins suffered a shock defeat to veteran Steve Davis.
The deal was set up by Mr Mooney, a board member of the World Professional Snooker and Billiards Association, it was claimed.
Higgins was not accused by the newspaper of any past indiscretions, and there were no suggestions he has been involved in fixing the results of any frames or matches to date.
Both Higgins and Mr Mooney were unavailable for comment today but the manager told the newspaper: "You have no idea what the circumstances were in Kiev, that's why we have absolutely no comment.
'But we were genuinely in fear for our safety. In that situation we were just fortunate to be able to leave the country. I have no further comment. It was an incredibly scary moment."
Mr Hearn said an investigation by the sport had been launched.
He added: "I don't see any place in sport, in any sport, for anyone who affects the credibility or the integrity of any sport."
But he stressed: "I'm not going to make knee-jerk reactions on this. I'm absolutely mortified ... because I know both these guys.
"It's come as a huge shock and obviously an enormous blow to the integrity of the sport which is vital for the expansion plans we have.
"It's really been a shattering experience and one which will be immediately looked into by our disciplinary people under the WPBSA rules.
"I spoke to Steve Davis last night and we know these two guys so well, it's unbelievable."
Regarding his own future, Mr Hearn said: "I have to consider my position and I have to consider that carefully and that's not something that's going to be done on a Sunday morning."
On the day the World Championship final at the Crucible, Mr Hearn admitted the newspaper report "casts a shadow over that event".
Mr Hearn admitted such allegations have the potential to destroy the public perception of snooker.
But he said: "You can never say someone is guilty before being proven so."
"Once the integrity of the sport is taken away from the public perception.... it affects the mindset of the population and affects the integrity.
"This particular story has the potential to affect the integrity of the entire sport.'
source: dailymail
