Disgraced former snooker professional Mark King had his appeal for a match fixing ban dismissed, it was announced by the WPBSA on Wednesday.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association released a short statement outlining that a final decision was made on Tuesday.
“On 7th November 2024 the Independent Disciplinary Committee delivered its final decision in the case of the WPBSA and Mark King,” the WPBSA statement read.
“He was found guilty of one count of match fixing and one count of providing inside information on his match played against Joe Perry on 13th February 2023.”
“He was suspended from the sport for 5 years and ordered to pay £68,299.50 in costs.
“Mark King appealed the decision of the Independent Disciplinary Committee and on 8th April 2025 his appeal was heard by an Independent Appeals Committee Chaired by Philip Evans KC.
“On 13th May 2025 the Independent Appeals Committee issued its decision on the Appeal.
“Mr King’s Appeal has been refused and the findings against Mr King regarding his match with Joe Perry and in relation to the sanction that was imposed at the original Hearing will stand.
“A decision regarding the costs of the Appeal will be made in due course.”
King, aged 51, first turned professional in 1991 and reached as high as number 11 in the world rankings.
His greatest career achievement transpired at the 2016 Northern Ireland Open when he edged Barry Hawkins in a dramatic deciding-frame thriller to capture his sole ranking title.
King will be unable to compete competitively until at least 2028, with his career as a professional in tatters and his name within the game forever tarnished.
The WPBSA originally announced his five-year ban late last year after a long investigation and hearings process.
“The Independent Disciplinary Committee has delivered its decision on the case of the WPBSA and Mark King,” the statement in November read.
“He has been found guilty of one count of match fixing and one count of providing inside information on that match.”
“He has been suspended from the sport for 5 years and to pay £68,299.50 in costs.
“On 18th March 2023 Mark King was suspended by the WPBSA after suspicious betting was reported on his match with Joe Perry played on 13th February 2023.
“On 18th March 2023 Mark King was suspended by the WPBSA after suspicious betting was reported on his match with Joe Perry played on 13th February 2023.
“After taking independent legal advice, the WPBSA decided that Mark King had a case to answer for fixing the outcome of the Perry match and his match against John Higgins played on 13th December 2022 and providing inside information on those matches that was used for betting.
“On 28th November 2023 his case was referred for a disciplinary hearing.
“Mark King denied the charges and his case was heard before an Independent Disciplinary Committee convened by Sport Resolutions.
“The hearing was Chaired by Graeme McPherson KC and took place in London between 7th – 9th May 2024.
“At that hearing the WPBSA was represented by Counsel, and Mr King was represented by Counsel and solicitors who acted pro bono for him.
“The Independent Disciplinary Committee placed an embargo on publication of its liability decision in the case until it had received submissions on sanctions and delivered its final decision.
“The Disciplinary Committee’s findings as set out in its liability decision and its decision on sanction are that in relation to the Joe Perry match only, Mark King acted in breach of Part 2 Rule 2.1.2.1 and Rule 2.2 of the WPBSA Regulations as alleged in charge 3:
“Charge 3: ‘That between about 1 January 2023 and 14 February 2023 in breach of Part 2 rule 2.1.2.1 and rule 2.2 [of the WPBSA Regulations] you fixed or contrived, or were a party to an effort to fix or contrive the result or score of [the Perry match]’; And
“Acted in breach of Part 2 Rule 2.1.3.1 of the WPBSA Regulations as alleged in Charge 4:
“2. d) Charge 4: ‘That between about 1 January 2023 and 14 February 2023 in breach of Part 2 rule 2.1.3.1 [of the WPBSA Regulations] you provided information for [sic] to be used for betting purposes to another person or persons and that information included the fact that you would contrive the score and/or outcome of the [Perry match]’.”
The two other charges relating to his match with John Higgins played on 13th December 2022 were dismissed.
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said at the time: “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.
“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.”
Featured photo credit: WST
and afterwords he posted a topless facebookpost in which he said the truth will come a some day. not in a friendly manner,even naming some wst officials.
He’s either made that post private or deleted it.
It’s concerning to see him endorsing the bigot Tommy Robinson on his Facebook feed.
Well certainly no benefit of the doubt deserved .Just the body language in the U-Tube vid looked dodgy IMHO. Documented history of gambling by his own admission. The integrity of the sport is paramount or it will fail and thereby compromise the honest players.