Snooker chief Jason Ferguson says ‘up to a lifetime ban’ possible in match-fixing probe

Jason Ferguson has said that manipulation of the betting rules in snooker can lead to up to a lifetime ban.

The WPBSA chairman was speaking after it was announced on Wednesday that Liang Wenbo, Li Hang, Lu Ning, Yan Bingtao, Zhao Xintong, Zhang Jiankang, Chen Zifan, Chang Bingyu, Zhao Jianbo and Bai Langning “have a case to answer” after a probe by the sport’s authorities.

“It is a heart-breaking situation for those of us who have been involved in the sport for a long time and worked to make it the great sport it is,” said Ferguson, speaking on ITV on Wednesday afternoon at the World Grand Prix in Cheltenham.

A list of wide-ranging charges have been laid against the 10 players, which include the 2016 English Open winner Liang, 2021 Masters champion Yan and 2021 UK winner Zhao.

“I think today’s information is what we would call clarity over where we are today,” said Ferguson.

“What we’ve put out is a clear indication that there are varying charges being laid against these players. All on an individual basis.

“That means our rules will apply, precedence will apply and all these things that have gone through in the past.

“Our rules are very clear in this. It does say that for manipulation of the betting rules up to a lifetime ban can be received by a player from this tribunal.

“It is impossible for me to give an outcome. It is up to that independent sports tribunal to make that decision and we and both sides will have to abide by that decision.

“Clearly, there are going to be various charges laid against those players.“

Ferguson said the immediate priority was the setting up of an independent sports tribunal after the WPBSA’s integrity unit concluded their investigation.

“The process began back in October when information came to light regarding some manipulation of results,” he said.

“That resulted in the suspension of Liang Wenbo to begin with. That was the beginning of a very detailed investigation by our integrity unit.

“That detailed investigation is now finished and we are now at the point where charges will be pressed.

“What we are saying, is that all these names have cropped up in that inquiry for one reason or another.

“We feel that each of those players has a case to answer for a breach of the betting rules and our conduct regulations and that is why we have moved to that prosecution stage.”

Ferguson said the sport has suffered “short-term damage” due to the match-fixing allegations, but revealed they hope China will return to hosting events next season.

“We have to have a pure sport which people watch, which people buy tickets for. We sell our rights around the world,” said Ferguson.

“It has to be pure, live competitive sport. That is the reason we are doing this. We are taking this very seriously.

“We’ve been transparent all the way along in this process and we will again be transparent at the end of this to give the public and everybody watching the confidence that this sport is still great.

“Of course, there is short-term damage. It is not a great look for us. It is unfortunate we are in this position, but actually our partners in China, the authorities, the China Billiards and Snooker Association, the sport authority of China, they’re alongside us here.

“We are working together on this. Whatever that outcome is, the sport is great and the demand for the sport is great.

“I can tell you that we are in very good talks with China about our return to China.

“I am very positive about returning there for the new season ahead.”