Snooker ace Mark King gets five-year ban for match-fixing

Snooker is rocked by another high-profile scandal after Mark King, one of the game’s best and brightest, and currently ranked in the Top 32 worldwide, has been handed a five-year ban to participate in official events, or attend them in any capacity.

King handed a five-year ban over match-fixing offenses

King was reportedly found guilty of match-fixing and sharing inside information with third parties to influence the potential outcome of a game, but also give bettors an unfair advantage.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, the sports governing body, took up the investigation into King’s alleged misdemeanor back in 2023, when betting alerts were sent to the organization.

According to complaints, King’s match versus Joe Perry in the Welsh Open had elicited unusual betting patterns. Another two charges against King,

King pleaded his innocence and said that he was not guilty of any wrongdoing but would regardless have to serve out the penalty unless he appealed. He has until November 28 to contend the ruling, and he will also have to pay a £68,299.50 fine to cover the costs of the investigation.

The ban has been imposed for the period between March 18, 2023, and March 17, 2028, with the WPBSA arguing that the integrity of the sport remains its utmost priority. The integrity of the sport has come under heavy criticism, as many high-profile players have been caught or at least judged to have broken conduct.

The snooker world was previously rocked by lifetime bans for Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, both found guilty of match-fixing. Wenbo, a former world number 11, and Li Hang, who achieved a career-high ranking of 28, were prominent players whose names add to a growing list of professional athletes who have undermined the sport’s integrity.

The integrity of the sport remains a top priority

Commenting on King’s ban, WPBSA Chair Jason Ferguson said that the global expansion of snooker has come with a greater level of responsibility for players, but also for the governing body.

"I have known Mark King since he was very young, he is a very experienced player who has enjoyed great success, and I am deeply saddened to read the finding in this case," Ferguson added, pointing out to the close-knitted community that professional snooker is.

"However, the integrity of this sport will always be our No 1 priority. This case is a testament to the fact that no stone will ever be left unturned in ensuring that the hundreds of millions of snooker fans worldwide, and our many global partners, can have full confidence in this incredible sport," Ferguson concluded, signaling that no player would be spared due consequences if they breach rules of conduct.

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