A prestigious snooker venue is “smelly” and “like playing in a garage”, according to a sports star.
Hossein Wafai criticized the conditions at the Crucible after being eliminated from the World Snooker Championship.
The 29-year-old player suffered a 10-5 defeat to former champion Judd Trump sheffield venue.
Irani had strong words regarding the facilities and treatment of players during the 17-day event.
He said: “Everything is so bad – if you ask me if I want to come back here, I won’t tell you any way.
“Forget the history, as a player you just want to go somewhere really nice. You walk around the Crucible and it smells really bad.
“You go to other countries, and everything is shiny. But here it’s completely different.”
“Practice Room – Do you see anything special? I feel like I’m practicing in a garage.”
Judd Trump (left) and Hossein Wafai (right) during their game on Sunday. Photo: PA
Wafai is no stranger to Crucible controversy as last year he surprised the crowd by playing a hasty first shot at the start of the match against Ronnie O’Sullivan and was seen smiling afterwards.
The Crucible has organized the tournament since 1977, but its current deal expires in 2027.
Speculation over its future intensified when O’Sullivan first suggested that the sport’s world championships should be moved to Saudi Arabia or China.
Wafai, who will make his debut in 2022, said: “Look at the venues in China, how fantastic they treat the players, a red carpet and an opening ceremony.
“Players are treated like stars. But here no one cares about the players, no one cares who you are before and after the match.”
“If they don’t want to lose the crucible then invest some money, make it shiny, make it nice, make it more luxury for people. If they make it clean and nice, people will enjoy it.”
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In response, the World Snooker Tour defended the Crucible as a “historic site”.
He added: “There are some limitations given the size of the backstage areas. We work with Crucible to make it as welcoming as possible for players.”
