World Snooker reaches out-of-court settlement with Michaela Tabb

World Snooker has announced it has reached an out-of-court settlement with Michaela Tabb after the referee brought a case against the professional tour.

Tabb had claimed sex discrimination, unfair dismissal and breach of contract against World Snooker, the business arm of the professional game, following her departure from the circuit in March.

World Snooker, whose chairman is Barry Hearn, refuted the allegations and an employment tribunal hearing began in Bristol last week. Tabb, who has refereed two World Championship finals, appeared under her married name of Michaela McInnes.

In a statement released on Tuesday, World Snooker announced: “Michaela McInnes (Tabb) and World Snooker Limited have come to a confidential accommodation regarding the claims brought by Mrs McInnes in the Employment Tribunal.”

It is understood World Snooker agreed a financial settlement, paying an undisclosed sum to the Scottish referee.

Tabb, from Dunfermline, became the first woman to referee a World Championship final in 2009 and also took charge of the game’s showpiece event in 2012.

Her departure from the tour earlier this year was initially unexplained, and her absence at the World Championship was conspicuous.

The popular 47-year-old has continued to referee away from the regular snooker circuit, officiating on the Snooker Legends tour where current professionals and veteran of the sport perform in a light-hearted atmosphere. She is also well known as a referee in professional pool.