- Written by Michael Emmons
- BBC Sport at the Crucible Theater in Sheffield
image source, Getty Images
Iran's Hossein Fafai criticized the Crucible Theater, saying the venue “really stinks”, the practice room was like a “garage” and the world championships should be moved elsewhere.
With a capacity of just 980 people, the Crucible has hosted snooker's biggest competition every year since 1977.
Many believe the current contract expires in three years, after which the event should move from its Sheffield home.
“Should I be honest? Do I enjoy being here?” the 29-year-old asked.
“History is very important, but no one invests their money in this historic place. I'd rather go somewhere really nice. When you walk around the Crucible, it really stinks. I’ll be honest: Everything is so bad.”
However, Iranians want the tournament to be held in China or Saudi Arabia, the country that hosted its first snooker tournament in March with the World Masters of Snooker.
“When you go to top venues in other countries, you see how wonderfully hospitable they are, how wonderful everything is, so shiny and so different,” Vafaei added. “If you ask me if I want to come back here, the answer is no.
“Practice room? Is there anything special? I feel like we're practicing in the garage, and that's not good. I'm coming here from another country to see it. I'm sorry. , I have to tell you the truth. “
image source, Getty Images
Asked whether going to China or Saudi Arabia would develop the game, Buffai said: “100%. Look at the way they run tournaments in China, the great things they do, the way they treat their players on the red carpet and at the opening ceremony. ” he answered.
“The players feel like they've become stars, but here no one cares about them. After the game, before the game, no one cares who you are. In China, everything is No, and everything will probably be different in Saudi Arabia.”
The question of where future world championships will be held has been a key talking point for this year's tournament, with Buffai open to remaining in the UK if the venue could be improved.
he said: “If you don't want to lose the Crucible, invest some money. Let's make it more shiny, nicer, more luxurious for people. If we make the Crucible prettier, better people will enjoy it. “Why should I do this?'' Is there a reason to do this? ”
In response to Vafai's comments, the World Snooker Tour said in a statement: “The Crucible is a historic venue and there are limitations given the size of the backstage area. We are working together to make this a welcoming venue.”
Leaving the Crucible 'inevitable' – Higgins
Four-time world champion John Higgins believes it is “inevitable” that the competition will move away from its Crucible home.
“It's been 30 years since I first came here, and it's still the same buzz,” said the Scot. “The history, the special moments, the tears, the heartache, the joy, the Crucible is a big part of my life and I will be sad if it goes away.”
image source, Getty Images
Higgins, winner in 1998, 2007, 2009 and 2011, said: “It was inevitable that we would move. It was an incredible place to play snooker and we were lucky to win. “I feel like this sport is bigger than that,” he added. He has only one venue to hold the world championships.
“At the end of the day, it will come down to who is going to provide the most funding, whether Sheffield City Council is going to provide more funding, or whether Saudi Arabia or China is going to provide more funding.”
“I wish I could stay in the Crucible.”
England's Shaun Murphy, who won the tournament in 2005 at the age of 22, had hoped he could somehow find a way to maintain the status quo.
He said: 'I want you to stay here. I remember coming up to see Peter Ebdon make his debut against Steve Davis in 1992 as a nine-year-old and climbing up this ladder. I remember it and it's been very special ever since.
“If you're a player, you know that iconic snooker moments happened in that arena, and it's a very special place for the players and fans who flock here every year.”
But Murphy, who holds a 6-3 lead over China's Liu Haotian, admitted the match had to be adapted.
“This is probably our biggest event in our smallest venue, but those things just don't sit well together,” the 41-year-old added. “Will it move? I don't know. I hope it doesn't, but I don't know.”
