LIV Golf has told its players that it will not pay DP World Tour fines after this year, throwing the Ryder Cup into turmoil.

The Saudi-backed golf circuit has notified its members that it will cease covering European Tour penalties from the end of this year, creating a potential crisis for Europe's Ryder Cup squad.

The breakaway competition has already transferred approximately £15 million to settle sanctions imposed on players who defected from the DP World Tour since 2022.

An additional £8-10 million in penalties remains pending, contingent on the outcome of an appeal filed by several players including Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

PA

This policy shift means players must fund their own penalties to maintain Tour membership and Ryder Cup qualification.

The financial burden facing individual players could prove substantial, with penalties potentially exceeding £1 million each season for those competing regularly on the LIV circuit.

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Jon Rahm's representative has communicated to DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings that the Spanish golfer "has no intention of paying any fines".

Similar financial pressures would affect Tyrrell Hatton, who alongside Rahm faces the prospect of funding hefty sanctions independently.

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin, who switched to LIV in January, and former DP World Tour player of the year Adrian Meronk would also confront these mounting costs if they wish to preserve their European Tour status.

The appeal hearing has been scheduled for after next month's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, ensuring both Spanish and English players can participate in Luke Donald's team.

Legal precedent suggests the appeal faces likely defeat, following the DP World Tour's successful court battle against Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood two years ago, which affirmed the Tour's authority to impose sanctions on defecting players.

Rahm's manager proposed an alternative in correspondence with the Tour, suggesting the former world number one should be permitted to "play on the DP World Tour without concern for pending penalties, with some of the best players in the world in some of his favourite countries and in front of the incredible European fans".

The situation has created considerable anxiety within European golf circles, with one insider revealing to the Telegraph: "There would be outrage if the Tour caved in."

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Sergio Garcia's case illustrates the complexity, having rejoined the Tour this season after previously resigning following his lost appeal, with LIV contributing nearly £1 million to facilitate his return as he pursues Ryder Cup qualification.

The insider added that the Tour had anticipated resolution through peace negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi interests, but warned: "With no deal in the pipeline – anything but, in fact – there is a huge problem looming."

Without resolution, Europe's 2027 Ryder Cup team in Ireland faces inevitable weakening.