Verdict on whether LIV rebels can continue on DP World Tour could take up to FOUR MONTHS

The wait for a resolution to the dispute between the DP World Tour and defectors to the LIV golf circuit, and its ramifications for the Ryder Cup, is expected to drag on longer than anticipated as a verdict is now considered unlikely before April.

It was initially indicated that an outcome to the arbitration hearing, held by a Sports Resolutions panel in London between February 6 and 10, would yield an outcome around late February or early March, with LIV golfer Lee Westwood saying he had been advised it would take ‘two to three weeks’.

But Sportsmail understands the latest working estimate is between two to four months, meaning it might even drag beyond the season’s first major, The Masters, which begins on April 6. 

If the verdict is not issued until the latter end of that timeframe, thereby in mid-June, it would represent an exacerbated burden for European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, given the match with the United States starts on September 29.

The implications of the hearing – it centred on the DP World Tour’s ability to enforce their ‘conflicting event release’ regulation – could have a profound impact on the Cup, as a win for the Tour would effectively mean they are permitted to suspend the rebels.

Subsequently, LIV golfers would be largely unable to earn points and qualify for the match in Rome. As it stands, Spain’s Adrian Otaegui, who played on the LIV circuit last season, would be in contention to make the team.

LIV launched their second season in Mexico last week amid their ongoing struggle to receive world ranking points, which, if granted, would represent the clearest route to the majors for the majority of their players.

It was reported in the US recently that LIV’s October application to the Official World Golf Ranking has been met with a reminder of the criteria they are yet to fulfil.

The specific details have been unclear, with the OWGR not commenting on ongoing applications, but sources have told Sportsmail the key obstacle facing LIV in that regard is the predominant absence of ‘relegation’ from their circuit.

While LIV’s plans for this season are said to include the relegation of four players from their 48-man roster at the close of the 2023 season, there is considerable confusion within the sport at how that sits with the guaranteed participation of certain players. 

A source pointed to Talor Gooch’s contract, which was made public last year during court wranglings in the US and revealed a non-relegation clause until the end of the 2025 season.