British snooker player Mark King has received a five-year ban from the sport after a disciplinary committee found him guilty of match-fixing and providing inside information for betting purposes. The ban will be retroactively applied to his involvement and will prevent him from playing professional snooker until 17 March 2028.
Suspicious Betting Patterns
King’s involvement in potential match-fixing and insider information sharing was initially flagged up by suspicious betting patterns on a match with Joe Perry on February 13th, 2023. This prompted an investigation into King’s activities and matches by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
Sportrar and the Gambling Commission were supposed to investigate. They discovered that King had fixed the match's outcome and had also provided people with information regarding the outcome for betting purposes.
The case was then heard by an independent committee in May 2024, with both King and the WPBSA being represented. The committee found King guilty of the allegations against him.
Upholding Integrity
Following the findings, the WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson spoke about the importance of upholding the integrity of the sport as it expands globally. He said that it brings great responsibility for everyone involved, including players.
Ferguson added that he had known Mark King since he was very young and that he was saddened to discover the findings of the report. However, he said that the integrity of the sport must always be the number one priority.
The Gambling Commission commented on the case, saying that the findings and subsequent ban should send a clear-message that betting-related corruption is not welcome in any sport and that it will not be tolerated.
