Five-Year Ban for ‘Match-Fixing’ Snooker Player

_{Snooker player Mark King faces a five-year ban and a £68,000 fine for match-fixing. (Image: PA Images / Alamy)}

Snooker player Mark King has received a five-year ban from professional snooker after being found guilty of match-fixing.  

The 50-year-old former Northern Ireland Open champion was found to have engaged in match-fixing and provided inside information regarding a match against Joe Perry during the Welsh Open on February 13, 2023.

He was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) on March 18, 2023, and has until November 28 to appeal the ruling, which also includes a £68,000 penalty. 

Match-fixing is not uncommon in sports, and snooker is no exception. That said, accusations regarding a match against John Higgins in this case were dismissed. 

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson expressed disappointment over the case, emphasising the importance of maintaining the sport's integrity. 

Gambling Commission Provided Supporting Information 

The Gambling Commission supported the WPBSA case by supplying information, including betting data. 

John Pierce, Gambling Commission Enforcement Director, said: 

“All betting customers in Britain should have confidence that bets placed with licensed gambling businesses are on markets that are fair and free from betting-related corruption. 

“This is why our Sports Betting Intelligence Unit will always work closely with partners such as the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to support their sporting integrity investigations and allegations of match fixing. 

“Today’s announcement should send a clear message that betting-related corruption in sport will not be tolerated.”