Phil Ivey Suing Tiltware and Not Playing in the 2011 WSOP

Phil Ivey has released an official public statement separating himself from Full Tilt Poker and announcing that he won't play the WSOP.

Phil Ivey has released a statement on both his Facebook page and his official website. In it, he separates himself from Full Tilt Poker, states that he has filed a lawsuit against Tiltware related to unsettled player accounts, and speaks of his decision to not play at the WSOP this year.

The announcement has been confirmed real by both Bluff Magazine and Wicked Chops Poker.

Here is the complete statement:

"For many years, I have been proud to call myself a poker player. This great sport has taken me to places I only imagined going and I have been blessed with much success. It is therefore with deep regret that I believe I am compelled to release the following statement.

I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid money they are owed. I am equally embarrassed that as a result many players cannot compete in tournaments and have suffered economic harm. I am not playing in the World Series of Poker as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot. I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.

My name and reputation have been dragged through the mud, through the inactivity and indecision of others and on behalf of all poker players I refuse to remain silent any longer. I have electronically filed a lawsuit against Tiltware related to the unsettled player accounts. As I am sure the public can imagine, this was not an easy decision for me.

I whole heartedly refuse to accept non-action as to repayment of players funds and I am angered that people who have supported me throughout my career have been treated so poorly.

I sincerely hope this statement will ignite those capable of resolving the problems into immediate action and would like to clarify that until a solution is reached that cements the security of all players, both US and International, I will, as I have for the last six weeks, dedicate the entirety of my time and efforts to finding a solution for those who have been wronged by the painfully slow process of repayment."

Ivey did not enter the $25,000 WSOP Heads Up Championship which started yesterday, and although at the time this raised some eyebrows, we now know why.

We will keep you posted with all future developments related to this story.