LIV Golf, boxing, F1, the FIFA World Cup, and now snooker?
The sport's godfather, Barry Hearn, has always insisted that the World Championships would never leave its traditional home at the Crucible in Sheffield, despite criticisms of the building structure and its capacity growing louder by the year. But with the influence of the Middle East ever growing on major events, it seems Hearn's head has been turned by the prospect of a money spinning move to Qatar.
The 74-year-old takes more of a backseat in his Matchroom company nowadays, serving as honorary President with son Eddie in the hot seat as Chairman. And Hearn Jnr, also a renowned boxing promoter, has already shown no fear in utilising that part of the world with Anthony Joshua having fought Andy Ruiz Jnr and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia.
