Snooker body bans Irish player for match-fixing

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), the sport’s global governing body, has issued a 15-month ban to Leo Fernandez after the Irish player admitted to a charge related to corruption and match-fixing.

Fernandez was handed a provisional suspension on May 27 after he was accused of intentionally playing a foul shot during the first frame of a World Championship qualifying match with Gary Wilson on April 6.

The WPBSA said that the error allowed other people to profit by placing bets on who would make the first foul shot of the match.

The body undertook an investigation and, as a result, its Disciplinary Committee has now ruled Fernandez breached clause 2.1.2.1 of its Member Rules, which is related to corruption.

Clause 2.1.2.1 defines corruption as, “to fix or contrive, or to be a party to any effort to fix or contrive, the result, score, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the Tour and/or any tournament or match”.

Fernandez will now serve a ban and will not be able to compete in professional competition until August 27, 2017, with the ban having come into effect from the provisional suspension.

The 40-year old has also agreed to assist the WPBSA in its efforts to help other players avoid being drawn into match manipulation.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: “This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all aspects of matches in World Snooker events are competed in a fair and honest manner.

“Working closely with our many international partners, the WPBSA has developed the strongest anti-corruption strategies available in sport today.

“Leo Fernandez had just qualified to play on the WSL tour this season as a full professional and by his actions he has thrown away this opportunity.”

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