At the recently held Vietnam Sports Economic Forum 2024, the role of federations and associations was recognized as an important element in creating economic momentum for the country's sports. Assessments showed that most federations and associations are not operating effectively, with the Vietnam Billiards & Snooker Federation (VBSF) in particular leaving a negative image with many controversial issues.
After the story of female player Nguyen Hoang Yen Nhi sharing about having to cover financial issues when participating in the World Championship in France without support from VBSF, this organization received a 1-year suspension from the World Billiards Sport Federation (WCBS).
Previously, the Asian Billiards Sports Federation (ACBS) suspended VBSF for 6 months - from June 13, 2024 to January 12, 2025, because Vietnam organized the Hanoi Open without being licensed by ACBS.
In the letter sent by WCBS to VBSF, they wrote: “VBSF will not be allowed to organize any international Billiards events; Carom, Snooker or Pool. In addition, VBSF officials and managers will not be allowed to participate in any Billiards events, including multi-sport events and Games.”
But on the contrary: “Vietnamese athletes will be invited and will participate in all Billiards events, including multi-sport events and Games”.
Not stopping there, point 3 in the document also states: "Because Vietnam is an important country for the sports of Billiards, WCBS and the disciplines of Carom, Pool and Snooker, it has the right to organize international events in Vietnam without the approval of VBSF".
Obviously, there is a serious “loss of reputation” from VBSF, an organization that still collects money from players to become members. The question is, what is the ultimate purpose of VPSF’s establishment, how does it operate, and how does it understand the regulations of international organizations and federations to get to this point?