'If Gary Anderson or Peter Wright want to play — will they get the same treatment?' - PDC questioned after special exemption allows Van Barneveld to make Seniors debut

Raymond van Barneveld’s surprise inclusion in the upcoming World Seniors Champion of Champions tournament — a key event on the World Seniors Darts Tour — has sparked widespread debate within the darts community.

The Dutch icon has been granted a special exemption by the PDC, allowing him to compete despite still being an active Tour Card holder. It's an unprecedented move that has left many, including former pro and close friend Vincent van der Voort, scratching their heads.

“It’s a bizarre decision,” Van der Voort said on the Darts Draait Door podcast. “The PDC has never allowed this sort of thing before, so why now?”

The Champion of Champions will be broadcast live on television, offering Van Barneveld a rare opportunity to appear on the senior stage. However, the decision has raised questions about consistency and fairness — particularly given the PDC’s historically strict stance on cross-organisation participation.

“Tour Card holders have always been banned from playing in other federations’ events,” Van der Voort continued. “The Dutch Open, for example — no chance of taking part if you’re under contract with the PDC. And now suddenly Raymond’s allowed to? That sets a precedent. What if Gary Anderson or Peter Wright want to play next year — will they get the same treatment?”

The move blurs the lines around eligibility and has reignited calls for clearer rules from the PDC. While Van der Voort is critical of the decision regarding Van Barneveld, he also believes the governing body should consider loosening restrictions for players ranked outside the top 64.

“Those guys could really benefit from the opportunity to compete elsewhere,” he said. “It gives them valuable stage time, more media exposure, and helps attract or retain sponsors. At the end of the day, it’s about building a sustainable career.”

He singled out Wesley Plaisier, currently ranked 110 in the world, as a prime example. “There’s not much incentive for a sponsor to back him right now — and that’s a real shame. A bit more flexibility from the PDC could go a long way.”

As the darts calendar continues to evolve, the Van Barneveld exemption may prove to be a one-off — or the start of a much broader shift in how the PDC handles cross-code participation. Either way, the reaction shows just how closely the sport is watching.