**Controversial Snooker Star Dismissed from Senior Role, Prompting Player Backlash**
A surprising decision by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has seen seasoned player Matthew Selt swiftly removed from his role as vice-chairman of the organisation’s players’ division. The abrupt move, officially confirmed by the WPBSA, has provoked frustration among leading figures in the sport, including former world number one Mark Allen.
Selt’s removal was announced following a general meeting of the WPBSA (Players) Limited on 6 May 2025. Members at the meeting voted in favour of passing an ordinary resolution to immediately strip Selt of his directorial responsibilities. The association, adhering to its regulatory code, has declined to shed any further light on the motivations behind the decision, adding to the intrigue surrounding the development.
The omission of specific details regarding the reasons for Selt’s ousting has only fuelled speculation among fans and professional peers. Notably, Mark Allen was quick to express discontent with the manner in which the process unfolded, highlighting what he sees as an absence of genuine player representation in the verdict. Sharing his views via X, Allen said, “Although factually correct, the WPBSA’s players-only member is the WPBSA. No players got a vote on this.” This remark signals a broader frustration among players regarding their influence within their governing body.
Selt’s tenure as vice-chairman was already under a cloud due to recent controversies. Only a few months ago, he was handed a three-month suspended ban in addition to a £10,000 fine for conduct unbecoming of his senior status within the sport. The punishment was handed down after he admitted to ‘rude and aggressive’ behaviour at the 2024 Saudi Arabia Masters held in Riyadh. The incidents, which occurred after his defeat to China’s Pang Junxu, included aggressive actions and the use of offensive language directed at both a Matchroom executive and a WPBSA colleague. Moreover, Selt was found to have sent an abusive message to a fellow member of the players’ association.
In response to the disciplinary actions, Selt offered a comprehensive apology and acknowledged the negative impact of his actions. He attributed the outburst to high levels of stress and pressure experienced during competition. Alongside his suspension and fine, he was also directed to pay £11,000 towards the organisation’s legal costs.
The drama surrounding Selt did not end there. His conduct again came under scrutiny during the World Championship qualifiers, where he faced criticism from fellow professional Jimmy Robertson. Following a tightly contested match, Selt apologised to Robertson, reflecting on how his behaviour might have distracted his opponent and affected the outcome. In his own words, Selt expressed remorse, saying, “There is no good feeling whatsoever towards this win.” He further elaborated that, although inadvertently, his actions may have influenced Robertson’s performance, leaving him with little sense of satisfaction.
This sequence of controversies has undeniably played a role in shaping perceptions around Selt’s suitability for a high-ranking role within the WPBSA. Despite his experience and skill on the baize, repeated incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct have marred his stewardship and now culminated in his executive removal.
For Mark Allen and many other professionals, however, the incident has shone a spotlight on decision-making protocols at the heart of the WPBSA, raising pressing questions about transparency and inclusivity. Allen’s criticism regarding the lack of a players’ vote underlines a growing divide between the governing body and the athletes it represents, a rift that may require urgent attention if the sport is to maintain cohesion moving forward.
The WPBSA has not indicated whether it intends to seek a replacement for Selt in the immediate future or if further statements will be issued as the aftermath unfolds. In the meantime, snooker’s professional community is left grappling with the implications of the decision and the broader challenges facing player representation within the sport’s hierarchy. As the debate rumbles on, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the complexities—and sometimes controversies—often concealed behind the scenes of elite competition.