Suspended snooker star John Higgins has been warned his future in the sport is in doubt after newspaper allegations that he agreed to fix frames at tournaments.

Barry Hearn, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, revealed the Scot wept down the phone when they spoke.

Hearn, however, warned Higgins "his whole career is in doubt" if he is found guilty of manipulating results.

Higgins insisted: "I have never been involved in any form of snooker match-fixing."

Hearn has known Higgins for most of the Scot's playing career but insists their friendship is now irrelevant. He formally suspended the 34-year-old on Sunday.

Hearn said: "I've made him aware there are very serious repercussions on this if this case is proved by the disciplinary council of the WPBSA."