Ronnie O'Sullivan accused of 'selling his soul' by furious snooker fans after announcing new business venture

Snooker fans have accused Ronnie O'Sullivan of 'selling his soul' after he announced his new business venture.

O'Sullivan is still one of the top players in the world of snooker after a legendary career.

However, the 48-year-old appears to be planning for the future once he eventually calls time on his extraordinary career.

That's because he has opened his own snooker academy in Saudi Arabia.

The facility will aim to develop futures stars.

On X, O'Sullivan shared a picture of his academy, accompanied with the caption: "Amazing to have opened my own snooker academy here in Riyadh. Massive thank you to @Turki_alalshikh and @Sela for making it happen!

"This will be the perfect place to develop future stars locally and globally!!"

But people on social media have taken exception to the academy being built in Saudi Arabia as they hit out at the decision to open it up in the Middle East opposed to the UK.

One X user said: "Come on man.. just sold your soul for money. It's disgusting."

A second tweeted: "How about opening snooker academies in the UK to develop British players where the grassroots level needs massive investment. You are selling your soul Ronnie."

A third added: "All these sports stars selling their souls to the Saudi's. It's sad to see."

A fourth sarcastically wrote: "Ah yes, Saudi Arabia, home of the world's best snooker talent."

Image: X/Ronnie O'Sullivan

At the start of the year, O'Sullivan signed a three-year ambassadorial agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Season, which has hosted several high-profile boxing events, became an 'official partner' of the World Snooker Championship.

'The Rocket' has played a series of tournaments in the Kingdom as he branded the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters the 'best event on tour'.

He said "Saudi Arabia has really raised the bar, this is the best event on the tour.

"I’ve never seen so many happy snooker players, everyone is excited to be here, we want to compete, play well and put on a really good show for the Saudi Arabian fans.

"We’ve already seen a 147, which is fantastic, and the tournament has just begun.

"All the top players are about to enter the event and hopefully everyone’s going to watch some of the best snooker they could possibly see.

"The tables, the facilities, the venue that’s been put together; this tournament deserves to watch the best snooker ever seen. It really is that good."