Under the decision, all members of the VBSF, including officials, coaches and players, will also be banned from events and tournaments organized by the ACBS, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF).

The six-month ban takes effect from July 13, 2024 to January 12, 2025.

In its announcement to the VBSF, the ACBS explained that Vietnam organized the Hanoi Open Pool Championship in October 2023 without the Asian billiards and snooker governing body’s approval.

The Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2023 was approved by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports. The tournament is part of the World Nineball Tour run by Matchroom Pool.

The Hanoi Billiards & Snooker Federation is now working on the ban, including its legality.

The ban will have an effect on leading Vietnamese cueists such as Tran Quyet Chien and Bao Phuong Vinh as they are VBSF members. The two leading players will not be allowed to compete at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games to be held in Thailand later this year.

Vietnamese cueists will also not have the chance to take part in world cups and championships to be run by the Union Mondiale de Billard (World Union of Billiards).

The ban will also impact Vietnam’s chance of hosting the 2024 World Three-Cushion Championship due to take place in Binh Thuan in September.