Snooker player Mark King has failed in his attempt to overturn a five-year suspension and a substantial fine after being found guilty of match-fixing and providing inside information. The decision, following an independent appeals process, means King will remain barred from professional snooker until 2028 and must pay more than £68,000 in costs associated with the investigation and hearings.
The 51-year-old was originally suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in November 2024. This action came after suspicious betting patterns emerged surrounding his fixture against fellow professional Joe Perry at the 2023 Welsh Open. Whilst Perry was cleared of any involvement, King was found to have engaged in match manipulation and sharing confidential information, breaching the sport’s strict regulations.
King has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. He argued that, if a result were really fixed, betting activity would have focused solely on a 4-0 loss—his actual result—rather than also attracting wagers on alternate scorelines such as 4-1 or 4-2. Furthermore, King stated that a finger injury hampered his performance and ought to have been taken into consideration during the probe. Despite these arguments, the disciplinary and appeals committees found the evidence against him compelling enough to uphold all sanctions.
Of particular concern to regulators was the volume of bets placed by individuals with no previous history of betting on snooker. The investigation revealed that several betting accounts were set up specifically for this match, and, in some cases, the account holders themselves did not actually place the bets. Such irregular betting activity was deemed highly suspicious and supported the case for disciplinary action.
The initial probe into King’s conduct began after the WPBSA received a tip-off suggesting he had been paid £15,000 by an undisclosed party to deliberately lose matches against both Perry and John Higgins. However, while allegations concerning the Higgins match were explored, they did not result in additional charges due to insufficient evidence.
After reviewing King’s appeal, the independent appeals committee—led by legal expert Philip Evans KC—confirmed the original findings. In a statement, the WPBSA announced, “Mark King’s appeal has been refused and the findings relating to his match with Joe Perry, as well as the associated penalties, will stand.” The association has yet to determine whether King will face further costs resulting from the unsuccessful appeal itself.
Reflecting on the case, WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson spoke candidly about the implications. “The global growth of snooker comes with considerable responsibility for both players and those who govern,” he remarked. “I have known Mark King for many years and it is deeply disappointing to see such a talented and experienced player found guilty in this way. Nevertheless, our highest priority remains the integrity of the sport and the confidence of its millions of fans worldwide.”
With his professional career now effectively on hold, King’s suspension spans from March 2023 through to March 2028, ensuring a lengthy absence from the competitive scene. The case underscores the snooker authorities’ commitment to rooting out corruption and sends a stern warning to others within the sport.
The upholding of King’s ban comes during a period of increased scrutiny on the gambling and integrity landscape within professional snooker. With both technological advancements and global expansion, the sport faces growing challenges in maintaining its reputation—something the WPBSA says it is determined to address vigorously.
As the aftermath of the case unfolds, wider conversations around athlete welfare, the pressures of professional sport, and the allure of illicit incentives continue to surface. While King’s personal protestations have failed to sway the authorities, his case serves as a pointed reminder of the high stakes involved in maintaining the trust and spirit that underpin competitive snooker.