O'Sullivan had threatened to take a year out of snooker

O'Sullivan said he fears for the future of the game and plans to play on the American pool circuit in addition to the regular snooker tour.

"I know that's a selfish way to look at it but I've got to look after my own interests and well-being," he said.

But Walker told Five Live: "Some of his remarks are, at best, ill-informed."

I see a sinking ship and I don't want to be part of that Ronnie O'Sullivan

He added: "Some of it I don't blame him for because we haven't announced our results for last year, nor have I announced a new broadcast contract, nor have we announced any new sponsors.

"Two of those announcements are imminent. His timing is unfortunate at a time when the sport is about to make some very positive statements."

I do think Ronnie is doing the right thing in broadening his horizons From C Have your say on Five Live

O'Sullivan will play in the four BBC-covered events in the coming season as well as the Betfred League, but has not committed beyond that.

"Snooker's a great game but I see a lot of things are not happening," the world number one told Five Live.