Matchroom Pool have released a statement confirming that no arrangements have been agreed upon despite the World Pool Association (WPA) suggesting the polar opposite in a prior press release.
WPA general secretary Jorgen Sandman released a statement on Wednesday morning detailing plans for World Nineball Tour majors to be treated as sanctioned events alongside the World Pool Championship.
That appeared to end a lengthy dispute between the two entities, although Matchroom have now confirmed that discussions are ongoing and a conclusive decision is yet to be finalised with the governing body.
Matchroom Pool’s statement read: “Following a statement released by the World Pool Association, Matchroom can confirm that positive discussions are ongoing with the WPA, however no agreement has been reached.
“Matchroom’s World Nineball Tour (WNT) events, excluding the World Pool Championship, are currently only sanctioned by the World Professional Nineball Pool Corporation (WPNPC).
“The WNT works with various different partners and promoters as well as boasting a professional tour of 128 players who have showed faith and trust in our vision at this time. We owe it to everyone involved that a professional agreement can be reached that benefits all parties.
“We look forward to a future where our events are co-sanctioned by WPNPC and WPA.”
Despite Matchroom’s response, the WPA statement confirms that no players will be banned come March as previously feared, whether the sport’s premier promoters work alongside the governing body or not.
