Vietnam billiards federation banned for 1 year

The ban is effective from Oct. 16, 2024, restricting VBSF from organizing international events or having its officials participate in global activities, including pool, snooker and carom competitions.

The suspension comes as a result of VBSF’s violation related to the management and development of billiards in Vietnam, with the organization of unrecognized international tournaments in the country, including the pool tournament Hanoi Open under the World Nineball Tour (WNT) by Matchroom, a direct competition of the World Pool Association (WPA), the confederation said.

Hanoi Open pool tournament was held first in October 2023 and again in October 2024.

Another unrecognized event held in Vietnam was the three-cushion tournament Hanoi Open, organized by the Professional Billiards Association (PBA), the direct competition of the World Union of Billiards (UMB). This tournament took place in August 2024.

While VBSF did not directly organize these tournaments, but it is held accountable as the WCBS representative in Vietnam.

WCBS had issued three formal warnings to the Vietnam Olympic Committee in March, May and July regarding the matter.

Previously, VBSF faced a six-month ban from the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS), the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) and the WPA,from July 13, 2024, to Jan. 12, 2025 for the same reason. Consequently, the Ho Chi Minh City Billiards & Snooker Federation (HBSF) has worked directly with WPA to organize the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City Open, without VBSF's authorization.

Despite the suspension, WCBS clarified that it, along with its member units, retains the right to organize international events in Vietnam without VBSF's involvement.

"Vietnam remains an important country for billiards," WCBS stated in a statement.

Vietnamese players are not subject to a general ban from international events, including multi-sport competitions such as the SEA Games, Asian Indoor Games and World Games. However, athletes who participated in tournaments that were not authorized by WCBS still face sanctions.

UMB has imposed a one-year ban, effective from Aug. 27, 2024, on 27 Vietnamese athletes who competed in the three-cushion event of Hanoi Open. Additionally, 87 athletes participating in the pool event of Hanoi Open have been banned for six months by WPA, effective from Oct. 16, 2024.

Established in 2021 and went into operation in 2022, VBSF has seen rapid growth in Vietnamese billiards, particularly in three-cushion and pool. However, the federation has yet to solidify its role in unifying local federations and balancing interests between rival international billiards bodies, such as WPA-Matchroom and UMB-PBA, as all of them are keen to expand in Vietnam.

On Oct. 21, VBSF representatives met with the Sports Authority of Vietnam to discuss solutions after facing multiple penalties. Both parties are currently navigating the situation, which lacks clear legal precedents and guidance from state agencies. Therefore, they aim to establish a legal framework to address similar challenges in the future.

Speaking to VnExpress on Wednesday, a VBSF representative stated that they plan to send an explanatory letter to the Vietnam Olympic Committee and WCBS, seeking to have the suspension lifted or reduced.