The cue sport demonstration in Paris in March 2019 involves a total of 24 cueists with 6 players from each of the three disciplines – snooker, pool and carom. In the last 36 hours we have been advised by the IBSF that Steve Mifsud’s nomination to play in Paris has been withdrawn. This is extremely disappointing given that fact that Steve was guaranteed the trip by the IBSF on 3rd January 2019.

Steve’s spot became available over the Xmas break when Africa offered Australia their spot – an offer which we greatly appreciated.

The IBSF nominated six players to participate when the original invitation by the World Confederation of Billiards Sports was that three players from each international body, WPBSA &IBSF, be selected. The ABSC were not aware of the correct allocation and acted in good faith to have the two spots we were offered filled by our players. We relied upon the advice of the IBSF.

Unfortunately, the IBSF/WPBSA could not find a solution to work together on the selection of players and as a result the World Confederation of Cue Sports has overridden both bodies’ selections. The World Body has allocated the three men’s spots to the WPBSA and the three women’s spots to the IBSF. This resulted in Steve Mifsud and two other IBSF male players missing out.

This is an is extremely disappointing situation. We have voiced our concerns in very strong terms about the complete lack of coordination and communicationby the three international bodies.

Whilst Steve has been very gracious about this recent change, we wish to publicly record the Council’s apologyto him.