Ferguson Clarifies Players Contracts, Appearance Fees The Issue?

Interesting news today from World Snooker as following the uncertainty expressed by myself amongst other people, concerning the players contracts and exactly what Ronnie O’Sullivan is currently unhappy with, Jason Ferguson has issued a statement clarifying a few points.

He also suggests that one issue between O’Sullivan and the governing body is as to whether he should be able to receive additional appearance money, not permitted under the contract…

Following yesterday’s news about Ronnie O’Sullivan, 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.

The contract is there to protect the players’ income derived from the tour, and the sport as a whole. Once players have signed the contract they are free to choose which events they wish to play in.

The contract was sent to the players by World Snooker following an extensive consultation process with the WPBSA in which we engaged our lawyers. It is the WPBSA’s duty to ensure that all of the players are treated equally and therefore it is our belief that all players should sign the same contract. We do not believe it would be in the interest of the membership as a whole if one player was allowed a different contract which could give that player additional appearance money The World Snooker Tour is expanding rapidly and consistently on a global basis and it is set to grow further. We are looking for the support of the players as a whole in order to assist this growth.

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.

More follows…