Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League in which he was due to open his campaign on Monday.
O'Sullivan, who would have faced Ukrainian 15-year-old Iulian Boiko among others, has been replaced in the draw by John Astley.
A Matchroom Multi Sport spokesperson confirmed: "Ronnie O'Sullivan has informed us that he wishes to withdraw from Championship League Snooker as he does not wish to enter the event bubble."
The 44-year-old O'Sullivan was beaten by 18-year-old Cork native Aaron Hill in the European Masters last month, in his first appearance since claiming his sixth Crucible title.
Hill would go on to beat two-time World Championship finalists Matthew Stevens before losing to China's Yan Bintao in the last 16 in Milton Keynes.
