Higgins scandal referred to dispute resolution service 28/06/2010 |
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World Snooker has referred an investigation into allegations John Higgins agreed to throw frames for money to Sport Resolutions UK, an independent dispute resolution service for sport.
Higgins was suspended from tournament play by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) last month, pending an investigation into claims made by the News of the World newspaper.
A WPBSA statement read: "The WPBSA disciplinary committee has resolved to refer an investigation arising from the News of the World newspaper's report of May 2, 2010, which contained allegations against John Higgins and Pat Mooney, to a hearing board convened under the auspices of Sport Resolutions UK."
David Douglas, head of the WPBSA's disciplinary committee, added: "Sport Resolutions deals with cases in various sports and is named in WPBSA disciplinary rules.
"It is completely independent of the WPBSA and we have no doubt that it will bring a fair conclusion to this matter."
The allegation that Higgins offered to lose specific frames in four future matches rocked snooker on day one of the Betfred.com World Championship final.
WPBSA chairman Barry Hearn said at the time: "Clearly, if allegations were founded you would be talking about a very, very, very lengthy ban.
"This matter has brought the very fabric of the game into question and the strongest possible message needs to be sent out that this behaviour has no part to play in our game and will not be tolerated."
Higgins has vowed to "vigorously defend" himself and insisted he is "100% innocent".
A spokesman for Higgins later issued a statement reiterating the player's determination to prove the allegations were unfounded.
It read: "John Higgins is completely focused on clearing his name and his legal team will vigorously defend any professional complaint made against him relating to this issue.
"We would remind everyone of John's earlier statement: 'I have never been involved in any form of snooker match fixing. In my 18 years playing professional snooker I have never deliberately missed a shot, never mind intentionally lost a frame or a match'.
"John Higgins is unwavering in his commitment to snooker – the sport he loves."
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