Mark King has been ordered to pay the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association additional costs and legal fees following his failed snooker ban appeal.
The Independent Appeals Committee chaired by Philip Evans KC released its decision on costs related to the appeal, with £45,503 to be awarded to the WPBSA.
Adding that sum to the fines and legal fees from the original investigations and hearings brings the total King owes the WPBSA to £113,802.50.
Mark King was banned from snooker for five years last November after being found guilty of match-fixing charges.
The Englishman was initially suspended after unusual betting patterns were reported on his match with Joe Perry at the 2023 Welsh Open.
It took a long time for an outcome in that case, which was put in front of an independent disciplinary committee.
King, who had initially been ordered to pay almost £70,000 in fees, had the right to appeal but was unsuccessful in his efforts.
Now aged 51, he 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 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.”
Since his ban, King has regularly been updating his Facebook page with short videos outlining his views – often controversial – regarding his case and others.
Featured photo credit: WST
I’m guessing the videos on his case and other snooker match fixing episodes are either being taken down or only available for those who are friends with him.
Marco Fu has made five centuries across his first two matches.
I think they’ve been taken down, which isn’t surprising. I watched a few of them a couple of weeks ago – he had some interesting things to say, but it’d be difficult to separate the elements of truth from the rather large chip on his shoulder.
That doesn’t surprise me.
I’m not familiar with the evidence here … was it just the irregular betting or was there actual evidence of communications from or to him regarding fixing