- Ronnie O’Sullivan is one of only three shareholders in NST Worldwide
- The World Snooker Tour said they ‘reject the claims and will defend them’
The opening day of the Masters at Alexandra Palace was overshadowed after a company part-owned by Ronnie O’Sullivan launched a £10.2million lawsuit against snooker bosses.
NST Worldwide, in which O’Sullivan is one of only three shareholders, have taken the World Snooker Tour and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to the Competiton Appeal Tribunal for ‘abuse of their dominant position’ in the game.
The company, set up in 2022 by snooker promoter Jason Francis and lawyer Mayus Karia, claim that ‘unlawful and anti-competitive practices’ have been used to prevent players from competing in rival tournaments. The World Snooker Tour said they ‘reject the claims and will defend them’.
The shock legal action follows an attempt by Francis to stage a series of four events involving the sport’s biggest names.
Only two of the four were sanctioned by the World Snooker Tour, whose players sign contracts preventing them from competing in outside events unless granted permission.
Francis said in a statement: ‘My company NST Worldwide Ltd has launched legal proceedings in the Competition Appeal Tribunal against World Snooker Ltd (WSL) and the WPBSA for abuse of their dominant position contrary to section 18 of the Competition Act 1998.
A company part-owned by Ronnie O’Sullivan launched a £10.2m lawsuit against snooker bosses
World Snooker Tour and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association have been accused of ‘abuse of their dominant position’ in the game
‘WSL’s unlawful and anti-competitive practices have prevented professional players playing in tournaments, events, or matches organised by competitor promoters.
‘NST is claiming £10.2m in damages plus interest and declarations from the Court to invalidate terms used by WSL to abuse its dominant position by controlling the players and erecting barriers to entry for competitors such as NST.’
O’Sullivan was one of the stars linked with playing in the Channel 4 series. However, while he owns shares in NST, he is not involved in the day-to-day running of the business.
The 49-year-old pulled out of his Masters title defence on medical grounds on Friday, with Neil Robertson taking his place and beating John Higgins 6-5 in yesterday’s opening match.
‘I’m so happy I could take my chance,’ said Robertson.
