Henrik Stenson is set to have his European Ryder Cup captaincy stripped, with the Swedish star poised to make the controversial switch to the LIV Golf Series. Stenson was appointed captain in March of this year and was set to lead the Europeans into next year's event in Rome.
The 2016 Open Champion's name has been linked to the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit in recent weeks, therefore putting his Ryder Cup post in jeopardy. The Saudi Series has sent shockwaves across the sport over the past year, with a number of golf's biggest names making the controversial switch.
In making the move Stenson would join the likes of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, as well as fellow European stalwarts Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey.
Those who have chosen to defect have faced heavy consequences. As a result the PGA Tour chose to suspend the rebels from their American-based circuit whilst the DP World Tour opted to ban them from the recent Scottish Open and fine them £100,000 each. Another punishment that is expected to follow for the defectors is a ban from the Ryder Cup.
According to Sky Sports, Stenson is set to make the move and this would therefore leave the European team hunting for a new captain to take them to Rome, with the event now just 14 months away. Stenson's former European teammate Westwood spoke out about the potential ban at LIV Golf's innagurial event at the Centurion Club last month.
As a result Westwood believes that as long as European players fulfil the requirements to be eligible to be selected, then LIV golfers should not be banned from the team event. Discussing his potential ban, he said: "Why should it be threatened? I've been playing Ryder Cup golf since 1997, and the criteria has been to be a member of the European Tour.
"Now, the criteria for being a member of the European Tour is to play four events. Why should they change that now? "I've been a member of the PGA TOUR and still played four events on the European Tour, and why would the European Tour change their rules so dramatically because another tour doesn't like it or feels financially threatened?
"There's just a bit too much protection going on for my liking and not enough transparency.I think as long as you fulfil the criteria to be a European Tour member, then you should still have the opportunity to try and qualify for the Ryder Cup team."
