Mark King Banned from Professional Snooker for Match Fixing

Mark King’s Career and Charges

Mark King has been a professional snooker player since 1991. He was once in the top 32 in the world for nearly 20 years. His career highlights include winning the Northern Ireland Open in 2016 beating Barry Hawkins in the final. King reached the last 16 of the World Championship 7 times but never got beyond that.

The charges relate to his match against Joe Perry in February 2023 where he was found guilty of match fixing and sharing inside information. Allegations of misconduct in a December 2022 match against John Higgins were thrown out. But the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) found that King had breached the sport’s integrity.

WPBSA’s Response and Ruling

The WPBSA suspended King in March 2023 and carried out an investigation. After he was found guilty they imposed a 5 year ban on King from March 18, 2023 to March 17, 2028. And a fine of £68,299.50 to cover the costs of the case.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson who has known King since he was a kid said: “This case is 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 stated.

Appeal and Background

King has until November 28 to appeal. This is a clear message from the WPBSA that there is zero tolerance for breaches of integrity to protect the sport for the fans and stakeholders.