World Snooker Tour in talks to stay at Crucible ongoing as council scrambles to avoid 'disaster'

The Crucible Theatre's contract to host the event expires next year, prompting widespread discussion about where the championship might be staged going forward.

A council spokesman confirmed that no agreement has yet been finalised regarding the prestigious tournament's home.

They said: "Sheffield City Council, World Snooker Tour and Sheffield Theatres can confirm that conversations about the World Snooker Championship beyond 2027 are still ongoing.

"Due to the sensitive and commercial nature of these ongoing discussions, no further information can be provided at this time.

"When we can share more information with the millions of snooker fans around the world, and with the people of Sheffield, we will provide an update."

Fans had anticipated a potential announcement before this April's tournament, or possibly sooner, following comments made by snooker chief Barry Hearn last year about relocation timelines.

The council's statement clarifies that negotiations remain ongoing with no resolution imminent.

A source told GB News: "For Sheffield to lose this historic event would be a disaster for the city.

"I can’t see it happening.

"The council are holding discussions, and I am positive they will agree on an extension soon."

The Crucible Theatre has served as the venue for the championship since 1977, establishing itself as an iconic location for the sport's most prestigious event.

Barry Hearn, the sport's leading figure, indicated last year that any move away from Sheffield would require substantial preparation time, stating organisers would "need two years to get it planned properly."

Should the tournament depart the Crucible following 2027, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as the leading candidate to take over hosting duties.

Qatar has also been mentioned as a possible destination for the world's premier snooker competition if it relocates overseas.

Snooker star Neil Robertson believes snooker must abandon the Crucible Theatre in favour of a larger venue if the sport hopes to strengthen its financial position.

The world No 3 said: "£1million pounds for the world champion would be nice, wouldn’t it? Yeah it’d be good.

"But I mean, it’s not going to happen while we’re playing in an arena with 900-odd fans allowed in, right?

"It’s just as simple as that. If we want to play for a million pounds-plus to the winner, we need to move. If we don’t move, we’re going to be stuck."

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