Snooker match-fixing probe: Jason Ferguson says ‘lifetime bans don’t stack up’, but ‘swift action’ to be taken

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson says the ongoing match-fixing investigation in snooker is “progressing quickly”, adding that lifetime bans are unlikely for any player found guilty.

Former Masters champion Yan Bingtao is among eight players suspended amid the match-fixing probe. Former English Open winner Liang Wenbo, Chen Zifan, Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu are also currently suspended.

The alleged offences relate to “manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes”.

Ferguson explained that while the sport’s governing body will seek to take “swift action”, he stressed that imposing lifetime bans for any player found guilty may not be the most sensible option.

“There is no limit on time for suspensions, but there are limits in terms of fairness to the players themselves and to the sport. We want to move this on very, very quickly. We’re pushing as hard as we can because this type of thing is very damaging and we have to prove to the public that it’s dealt with, that we can take swift action.

“As it says in the statements, the suspensions are an investigation into the manipulation of results. That isn’t to say that everyone who’s been suspended is guilty of match-fixing, that’s certainly not what it says.

However, this was refuted by Ferguson, who added: “I get Shaun’s statement and I understand why he’s so passionate about it, because I feel very strongly about it as well, especially as a former player.

“Every ball you pot must mean something. But we do know from legal advice that lifetime bans do not stack up in court. It’s completely challengeable.

“We have in our rules that players may receive up to a lifetime ban, if found guilty of match-fixing or manipulating results, but there has to be a range.”