Matchroom and WPA’s rift has taken a new turn with Matchroom announcing the newly created UK-based Pool Regulation Authority (PRA) as the sole sanctioning body for their WNT Matchroom Open and Invitational events, except for the World Pool Championship.
This decision follows a recent issue between Matchroom and the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), with the WPA pointing its fingers at Matchroom for not coordinating the schedule of the Hanoi Open and Reyes Cup this coming October, leading to a clash with the WPA Predator 8-Ball Championship event.
The creation of the PRA to govern the sport of pool independently has likely been in the works for quite some time, but Matchroom’s announcement regarding this might have been a direct result of the WPA’s post on their social media regarding the aforementioned scheduling conflict.
The PRA is an independent not-for-profit organization based in the UK, focused on ensuring good governance within the sport of pool. Its board members include Nigel Mawer QPM, Chris Hornby, and Dave Jones. The PRA aims to be recognized globally as a regulatory authority for pool, administering rules and regulations to enhance the sport’s image and profile across amateur and professional ranks. Its Conduct Regulations cover various aspects, including player conduct, anti-corruption measures, disciplinary rules, anti-doping regulations, and safeguarding.
On the other hand, the WPA recently updated its Sanctioning Guidelines, offering enhanced benefits for tournament organizers, host clubs/venues, and athletes. These benefits include date reservation, support and resources from the WPA, provision of medals and referees for Category 1 Tournaments, promotion and visibility, allocation of world ranking points, prestige and recognition for host clubs/venues, global exposure, support with disciplinary issues, assurance of fair play for athletes, assistance with prize money disputes, and career advancement through earning world ranking points.
Overall, Matchroom’s decision to go with PRA in sanctioning their events reflects a shift away from WPA authority.