21-07-2025
Snooker star who was suspended for match-fixing says match-fixers should be banned for life
SUSPENDED snooker star Mark King has insisted that any player found guilty of match-fixing should be banned for life.
King is currently suspended until March 2028 after being found guilty of fixing a match against Joe Perry in 2023.
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He was first suspended in 2023 and admits its taken a toll on his family
Credit: PA:Press Association
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The former Northern Ireland open champions was found guilty of match fixing
Credit: Getty
But the 51-year-old told
"If you're guilty, that's it, you should never be allowed to play again."
King, who was first suspended by snooker's governing body in March 2023 after suspicious betting patterns were flagged following his 4-0 loss to Joe Perry at the Welsh Open in February that year.
Perry was not under suspicion and King has consistently denied the charges.
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After losing an appeal in May, he was hit with a staggering £113,000 cost order.
In November 2024, the former Northern Ireland Open champion was found guilty and banned until March 2028.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) made it clear that there's no more serious violation than match-fixing, adding they had thoroughly investigated the case.
The body said in a statement: "There was strong evidence against King, and this led to action under the WPBSA's Conduct Regulations."
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King admitted the scandal had taken a toll on his personal life, with his wife suffering serious health problems during the investigation.
He revealed: "The hardest part of this has been seeing what it's done to my wife.
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"She had a pacemaker fitted not long after it all started, and it's been really tough on her."
The Essex player, who once reached No.11 in the world, is also a recovering gambling addict and said the entire ordeal had severely impacted his mental health.
While the WPBSA emphasised the support available for players, including counselling and legal advice, King described his struggles.
He also admits despite receiving emotional support from close friends like three-time world champion Mark Williams, who called just to check on him, King is still facing financial strain due to his suspension.
He said: "I don't have £113,000 lying around.
"I'm out of work at 51, and I tried doing a bit of labouring, but it was too much for me."
With just under three years remaining on his suspension, King is uncertain about his future in snooker.
He concluded: "I don't know what's going to happen. I love playing, love the travel, but I'm still hurt and angry."
