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Higgins suspended after frame-fixing allegations

John Higgins is the world No. 1 © Getty Images

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World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn has confirmed that John Higgins has been suspended after reports suggested that he agreed to accept £261,000 in return for deliberately losing frames.

A video published by the News of the World allegedly shows Higgins and his manager Pat Mooney making a deal in Ukraine. The frames in question were all set to take place in matches later this year.

"A press release will be issued which will say Pat Mooney has resigned from the WPBSA board, while John Higgins has been suspended from all future WPBSA events subject to an investigation which begins immediately - and this will be dealt with in a summary fashion," Hearn told TalkSPORT.

"I don't think I've ever felt so let down or kicked. We're working so hard on revitalising the game and there are lots of people pulling in the right direction.

"We wanted the headlines to be about Steve Davis' revitalisation, Stephen Hendry's recovery... but all we're talking about is the News of the World expose on John Higgins and his manager, which has left me feeling devastated."

Higgins has not been accused of any previous indiscretions by the newspaper - and there are no suggestions he has been involved in fixing the results of any frames or matches to date.

Mooney has suggested that himself and Higgins were in fear of their safety when at the meeting in Ukraine. "You have no idea what the circumstances were in Kiev, that's why I have no comment," he is quoted as saying in the News of the World. "But we were genuinely in fear for our safety."

Higgins released a statement on Sunday, claiming any agreements shown on the video were efforts to avoid potential trouble in Kiev.

"Can I say that 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," said Higgins.

"In all honestly I became very worried at the way the conversation developed in Kiev. When it was suggested that I throw frames in return for large sums of money, I was really spooked. I just wanted to get out of the hotel and onto the plane home.

"I didn't know if this was the Russian Mafia or who we were dealing with. At that stage I felt the best course of action was just to play along with these guys and get out of Russia (sic).

"Those who know me are aware of my love for snooker and that I would never do anything to damage the integrity of the sport I love. My conscience is 100% clear."

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