The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has banned professional snooker player Mark King for five years after an independent disciplinary committee found him guilty of match-fixing and providing inside information to bettors. King was also ordered to pay £68,299.50 ($86,216) in costs.
King will not be able to return to the table until March 17, 2028.
The investigation was triggered by suspicious betting patterns on King’s match against Joe Perry on February 13, 2023.
With the support of Sportradar and the Average Betting Gambling Intelligence Unit, the WPBSA found evidence that King fixed the outcome of the Perry match. It will look into the inside information related to betting.
His case was heard in May 2024 by an Independent Disciplinary Committee chaired by Graham McPherson. King and the WPBSA were advised by legal counsel.
Following the proposed sanctions, a final decision was made upholding the breach of the WPBSA Royal Rules.
King cannot compete under the auspices of the WPBSA. The penalty includes a complete suspension, including from coaching and administration. The suspension runs from 18 March 2023 to 17 March 2028. King has until 28 November 2024 to appeal.
Commenting on the findings, WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson stated: “The global expansion of this sport brings with it great responsibility, both for our players, and for the WPBSA as the sport’s world 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. However, the integrity of this sport will always be our number one priority.”
The Gambling Commission, which provided betting data for the investigation, also acknowledged the importance of the development, with the Commission’s Enforcement Director, John Pierce, stating: “Today’s announcement should send a clear message that betting-related corruption in sport will not be tolerated.”
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