BREAKING NEWS - IVEY QUITS FULL TILT POKER

June 1, 2011, Posted by Pokerfarm

Wow, just wow. We all thought this morning's talk would be concerning the start of the WSOP and the $25k heads up championship. This pales into insignificance with the news that Phil Ivey has quit Full Tilt Poker and is issuing a lawsuit against Tiltware. It's been a desperate 24 hours for Full Tilt. Ivey, unquestionably the most recognised poker player of all time and long term FTP shareholder and ambassador has called out the company and decided to boycott this year's WSOP. 

This is the statement issued by Ivey:

'For many years, I have been proud to call myself a poker player. This great sport has taken me to places I only imagined going and I have been blessed with much success. It is therefore with deep regret that I believe I am compelled to release the following statement.

I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid money they are owed. I am equally embarrassed that as a result many players cannot compete in tournaments and have suffered economic harm. I am not playing in the World Series of Poker as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot. I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.

My name and reputation have been dragged through the mud, through the inactivity and indecision of others and on behalf of all poker players I refuse to remain silent any longer. I have electronically filed a lawsuit against Tiltware related to the unsettled player accounts. As I am sure the public can imagine, this was not an easy decision for me.

I whole heartedly refuse to accept non-action as to repayment of players funds and I am angered that people who have supported me throughout my career have been treated so poorly.

I sincerely hope this statement will ignite those capable of resolving the problems into immediate action and would like to clarify that until a solution is reached that cements the security of all players, both US and International, I will, as I have for the last six weeks, dedicate the entirety of my time and efforts to finding a solution for those who have been wronged by the painfully slow process of repayment.'

To compound FTP's problems concerning Phil Ivey, Nick Rainey has been slaying the management of Full Tilt Poker this morning on Quadjacks radio - We'll have more news on this story and any developments as they come in.

It's fairly obvious that this is not going to be a quiet WSOP!