Snooker supremo Barry Hearn has openly acknowledged that "Saudi is a problem" as the sport faces potential shifts in its lucrative event calendar. This admission comes amid growing reports that a major snooker tournament could be relocated from Saudi Arabia to neighboring Qatar, signaling broader changes in the Gulf region's sporting landscape.
Saudi Arabia's Sporting Empire Under Review
Conflict issues in the Middle East are prompting Saudi Arabia to reconsider its extensive investments in global sports. The long-term funding for LIV Golf appears increasingly uncertain, and other high-profile events are now under scrutiny as part of a strategic reassessment.
Hearn, who serves as president of World Snooker owner Matchroom, confirmed that the organization is actively exploring alternative regions for future events. While Matchroom maintains a strong presence in the Middle East, China has emerged as a key focus for expansion.
Current Snooker Events in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia currently hosts two significant snooker tournaments, but Hearn indicated this number could be reduced to just one in the near future. "Saudi is a problem," Hearn stated. "We don't know where that problem's going to lead to, but we've got good influence there, particularly through boxing and all the other sports we do, so we will be fine."
He emphasized the delicate nature of the situation, adding: "We can't interfere with what's going on at the moment. This is a terribly difficult time for the Middle East. Saudi, whether we're talking LIV tour or other Olympic sports, are looking to cut back, which is fine, providing we've got other places to go – which we do."
Public Investment Fund Strategy Shift
The uncertainty follows Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund releasing its 2026-30 strategy last week, with many documents notably excluding references to sports investments. This development has fueled rumors of internal challenges within LIV Golf and questions about funding plans for Newcastle United.
The PIF aims to increase its managed assets to $2.7 trillion by 2030, suggesting a possible reallocation of resources away from sports ventures.
Future Snooker Events in China and Middle East
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia, Hearn remains optimistic about snooker's global prospects. "On one hand, we're looking at Saudi and saying, 'Yes, there will be snooker in Saudi,' but in fairness I can't tell you what exactly at the moment until this problem changes," he explained.
"What I do know in the meantime is that we will be talking about a new event in China. We will be talking about another new event in the Middle East. So on the law of averages, win some, lose some, but that's life."
This strategic pivot highlights how global sports organizations must navigate geopolitical complexities while maintaining their event calendars and revenue streams.
