In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the world of professional snooker, former world champion Mark Selby and top-ranked player Mark Allen have been banned from the sport indefinitely after allegedly fleeing with a substantial sum of money raised through team donations.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among fans, players, and officials, tarnishing the reputations of two of the sport’s most prominent figures. According to sources within the World Snooker Tour (WST), the two players were entrusted with managing donations collected for a team initiative aimed at supporting grassroots snooker programs and young, underprivileged players.
Early reports suggest that over £500,000 was raised through a combination of public donations, charity exhibitions, and sponsorship contributions. The funds were meant to be distributed to community snooker clubs, training camps, and mentoring programs across the UK and Ireland. However, concerns began to emerge last week when organizers failed to account for the full amount raised and could not reach either Selby or Allen for clarification.
The situation escalated when both players failed to report for scheduled matches at the latest snooker event in Sheffield. Their absence raised suspicions, prompting an internal investigation by the WST. It was then revealed that both Selby and Allen had allegedly left the country days earlier under suspicious circumstances. Investigators believe they may have coordinated their departures in advance, taking the bulk of the donation funds with them.
WST issued a swift statement on Monday morning confirming the players’ indefinite bans and referring the case to law enforcement for further investigation. “We are deeply saddened and shocked by these allegations involving two of snooker’s top talents,” the statement read. “We take financial misconduct extremely seriously and are fully cooperating with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out.”
Fans and fellow professionals have expressed disbelief and disappointment. Ronnie O’Sullivan, a longtime rival and icon of the sport, tweeted, “Snooker deserves better. This is a disgrace to the game and a betrayal of the fans.” Other players have echoed similar sentiments, with many calling for stricter oversight and financial transparency in the sport.
The Professional Players’ Association (PPA) also released a statement condemning the alleged actions of Selby and Allen. “If proven true, this is not just a breach of trust but an insult to every player who works hard to build the sport’s reputation,” the PPA noted.
Authorities in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland are reportedly working together to track the whereabouts of the two players. There is growing speculation that international arrest warrants may be issued if they do not return voluntarily to face questioning.
This incident marks one of the most serious scandals in snooker’s modern history. Mark Selby, a four-time world champion known as “The Jester from Leicester,” has long been considered one of the sport’s most composed and respected figures. Mark Allen, the fiery Northern Irishman and 2022 UK Championship winner, has also built a strong fanbase through his competitive spirit and clutch performances.
Now, both players face not only the end of their careers but potentially serious legal consequences. As investigations unfold, many in the snooker community are left grappling with how a sport so steeped in tradition and integrity could be shaken by such a dramatic and unexpected betrayal.
With the upcoming World Championship just months away, the snooker world finds itself facing an unprecedented crisis—one that could reshape the landscape of the game for years to come.