Manila: The Asian Confederation of Billiard Sport (ACBS) has suspended the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP) and asked the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to run the affairs of the sport at least for the next three months.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a letter to the POC dated March 9, Michael Al Khoury, secretary general of the Qatar-based ACBS, stated that the organization's board of directors decided during its meeting in Doha on February 18 to suspend the national sports association. This decision was ratified by the continental body's general meeting the following day.

The ACBS informed the POC, through secretary general lawyer Wharton Chan, to form a disciplinary committee to investigate the violations of the BSCP. These violations include conflicts of interest, the failure to hold elections for a long time, organizing international tournaments without necessary approvals, and not properly taking care of the Philippines billiard athletes.

The POC promptly officially informed the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) of the BSCP's suspension by its Asian governing body. "With this decision, the POC shall temporarily assume the tasks of the BSCP, including the supervision of arrangements and entitlements for national athletes under Billiard Sports, during the period of suspension," Chan wrote to PSC chairman Richard Bachmann.

The ACBS also stated in its letter to the POC that the BSCP's suspension would not exceed three months pending the completion of the committee's work. The Asian body has assigned the POC with the tasks of the BSCP, especially to follow up on the files of players qualified to participate in international tournaments, most notably the World Games in Chengdu, China, in 2025.

The World Games are set for August 7 to 17. "Please inform us of your approval of the terms of your acceptance to assume the duties of the federation temporarily to preserve the interests of billiard players in the Philippines," the ACBS said.