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WORLD POOL ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE
08, October 2023, Doha, Qatar – In conjunction with the 2023 Qatar 9-Ball Open, yet another 300,000 USD event in a record breaking year of the WPA which surpassed a total of 5,000,000 USD in annual prize funds for men and women, the WPA General Assembly convened.
The assembly decided to financially support a youth development program in all six regions under the WPA umbrella. This program will provide both financial and training assistance to continue the ongoing growth of the sport globally. Additionally, the WPA then had to deal with a matter that no member was looking forward to discussing, the growing number of non WPA sanctioned events around the world.
The assembly did hear a report regarding a last attempt to a possible solution and to continue communication with promoters to the matter at hand, but the answer was a simple no. That left the assembly with no other alternative than to discuss how to best move forward with the current situation.
After long deliberation the assembly ended up deciding on the following: the players will be given almost five months to choose if they will continue representing their respective national and continental federations under the WPA, or if they elect to participate in only non WPA events and tournaments.
Players participating in non WPA sanctioned events that qualify for WPA sanctioning starting the 1 st March 2024 will have the following impact: loss of all WPA ranking points and no further participation in events on a national, continental or global level under the WPA.
When a player would like to return to participate in WPA events they will be unable to participate in any event for six months and have a 500 USD fine which will be paid to the player´s national federation. About World Pool Association The World Pool Association (WPA) is the international governing body for pool (pocket billiards), dedicated to promoting and regulating the sport of pool worldwide.
Formed in 1987, the WPA is headed by a board of directors consisting of representatives from Oceania, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America with a commitment to fostering fair play, sportsmanship, and excellence for all pool players.
The WPA is an associate member of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), which is the international umbrella organization, recognized by the IOC, and that encompasses all major cue sports.
9th October, 2023
JORGEN SANDMAN
Bradalsfjellet 58A 2022 Gjerdrum, NORWAY
jorgen@wpapool.com
+ 47 9244 6195
CONTACT: Jorgen Sandman WPA General Secretary jorgen@wpa-pool.com
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