Licensing dispute might cancel midget wrestling

[October 14, 2010]  CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) -- A midget wrestling event in southeast Missouri may be canceled because the state said the wrestlers are athletes, not entertainers.

The Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation is scheduled to hold an event Thursday at The Pink Galleon Billards and Games in Cape Girardeau.

But state officials said Chris Seib, owner of the Pink Galleon, must have the same licenses as those required for promoters, referees and wrestlers.

Seib told The Southeast Missourian that he's trying to get the licenses before Thursday, but he's not sure if that's possible. He said he believes the participants are entertainers, not athletes.

The Missouri Office of Athletics regulates professional wrestling, mixed martial arts and boxing events in the state.

___

Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.