Former world snooker champion Alex Higgins has claimed that 4 top snooker players have taken bribes.

The 1972 and 1982 Crucible king said: “I’m still in touch with top agents in the game and the only thing they’ve said about this is, “How greedy do you want to be?” I know of at least four pros who have taken big bribes to chuck games. The names would shock the public if it was proved they were on the take.”

“Just because they wear crisp white shirts doesn’t make them clean — it’s all going on right under people’s noses. I know there are plenty of repulsive professional players who have thrown games for bookies.”

Speaking to the Irish media the Hurricane believes corruption in the sport is widespread and confessed that he was once offered £18,000 to lose a quarter-final at the Benson & Hedges Masters in 1979 and £20,000 to cheat at an Irish Masters.

“I wanted nothing to do with any of them. I couldn’t live with myself if I did it” added Higgins.