Snooker Player Mark King Receives Five-Year Ban for Match-Fixing

Professional Snooker player Mark King has been handed a five-year suspension by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) following an independent disciplinary ruling. The ban stems from match-fixing charges, specifically in connection with his February 2023 match against Joe Perry.

The WPBSA launched an investigation after suspicious betting patterns were flagged. The probe, conducted in partnership with Sportradar and the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, revealed that King not only manipulated the match outcome but also shared insider information for betting purposes.

The disciplinary hearing, led by Graeme McPherson KC, took place in May 2024. Both King and the WPBSA were represented by legal counsel, and after reviewing the evidence, the committee found King in breach of WPBSA rules.

Mark King Banned – What Happens Now?

King is now barred from participating in any WPBSA-recognised activities, including playing, coaching, and administrative roles, from 18 March 2023 to 17 March 2028. In addition, he has been ordered to pay £68,299.50 in costs. However, King retains the right to appeal the decision, with a deadline set for 28 November 2024.

Background and Career of Mark King

Mark King, a veteran of the professional snooker circuit, has had a career spanning over three decades. Born in Romford, England, King turned professional in 1991. Known for his gritty playing style, he reached a career-high world ranking of 11 in 2002. His most notable achievement came in 2016 when he won his first and only ranking title at the Northern Ireland Open, a victory that marked a high point in his otherwise modest career.

Despite his achievements, King’s career has also been marked by controversy. The latest match-fixing scandal is the most severe, casting a shadow over his legacy.

Other Controversies Mark King has been Involved In

Beyond his recent five-year ban for match-fixing, King has faced several incidents that have tarnished his reputation over the years:

2008: Misconduct at the UK Championship

One of King’s earlier brushes with controversy came during the 2008 UK Championship. He was accused of unsportsmanlike behavior during a heated match against Stephen Maguire. King allegedly made comments and gestures perceived as attempts to distract his opponent, leading to criticism from both fans and commentators. Although no formal disciplinary action was taken, the incident added to his reputation as a player who would cross the line.

2013: On-Table Outburst at the German Masters

In 2013, King drew negative attention during a match at the German Masters. After missing a critical shot, he displayed visible frustration, slamming his cue on the table and muttering angrily. Such outbursts, while not uncommon in high-pressure sports, stood out in the typically composed world of snooker. King later apologized, acknowledging that his behavior had been unprofessional.

2016: Financial Troubles and Alleged Bankruptcy

In 2016, shortly before his career-defining win at the Northern Ireland Open, King made headlines for his financial struggles. Reports emerged that he was on the brink of bankruptcy, a situation he partially attributed to gambling problems and mismanagement of his finances. King openly admitted to a history of betting, though he claimed he had never placed wagers on snooker matches. His financial troubles led to increased scrutiny, with some questioning whether external pressures might influence his on-table performances.

2020: Controversial Comments on Prize Money

During the 2020 season, King courted controversy again by criticizing the World Snooker Tour’s prize money structure. In an interview, he complained that lower-ranked players were not earning enough to sustain their careers, even at major tournaments. While his comments sparked a broader conversation about financial inequality in the sport, some viewed them as ungrateful, given snooker’s efforts to increase prize pools in recent years.

2021: Criticism of Fellow Players

King has also been known to voice strong opinions about his peers. In 2021, he publicly criticized certain younger players, accusing them of lacking professionalism and respect for the game. While some fans appreciated his candour, others felt his remarks were unnecessary and divisive, especially coming from a player with his own history of disciplinary issues.

WPBSA and Gambling Commission Reactions

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson expressed disappointment over the findings but reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. “Mark King has been a prominent figure in snooker for many years, and this outcome is a sad moment. However, the integrity of our sport is paramount, and this case demonstrates our zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.”

John Pierce, the Gambling Commission’s Enforcement Director, echoed Ferguson’s sentiments. Emphasizing the critical role of betting data in uncovering sports corruption. “This case sends a strong message: betting-related corruption will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work closely with sports bodies to uphold fair play.”

Additional Allegations and Dismissals

The investigation initially included allegations related to a December 2022 match against John Higgins. However, those charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, narrowing the scope of the case to the Joe Perry match.

King’s ban marks one of the most severe penalties in recent snooker history and serves as a stark reminder of the sport’s ongoing battle against corruption.