The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has handed professional player Mark King a five-year suspension following an independent disciplinary committee’s findings. King was found guilty of match-fixing and sharing inside information for betting purposes. Alongside the suspension, King has been ordered to pay £68,299.50 ($86,216) in costs.

WPBSA Suspends Professional Snooker Player Mark King for Five Years Over Match-Fixing Allegations

Background: Suspicious Betting Patterns Spark Investigation

The investigation was initiated after reports of suspicious betting patterns surfaced during King’s match against Joe Perry on 13 February 2023. Collaborating with Sportradar and the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, the WPBSA launched a thorough inquiry into the allegations. The evidence uncovered confirmed that King had intentionally manipulated the outcome of the match and provided inside information linked to betting activities.

Independent Disciplinary Committee’s Ruling

In May 2024, the case was reviewed by an Independent Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Graeme McPherson KC. Both Mark King and the WPBSA presented their cases through legal representation. Following a detailed examination, the committee concluded that King had breached WPBSA regulations.

Details of the Suspension

The committee’s decision imposes a ban on King from all WPBSA-recognised activities. This includes:

• Competing in tournaments
• Coaching aspiring players
• Administrative roles within the snooker community

The suspension is effective retroactively, beginning 18 March 2023, and will remain in place until 17 March 2028. King retains the option to appeal the ruling, with a deadline set for 28 November 2024.

Chairman Jason Ferguson’s Statement on the Case

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson expressed deep regret over the findings but reaffirmed the association’s commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity.

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.”

Collaboration with Gambling Authorities

The Gambling Commission played a pivotal role in the investigation, providing crucial betting data that supported the WPBSA’s findings.

John Pierce, the Commission’s Enforcement Director, highlighted the broader implications of this case, stating: “Today’s announcement should send a clear message that betting-related corruption in sport will not be tolerated. It is vital to protect the integrity of sports like snooker to ensure fair competition and maintain public trust.”

The Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit has been instrumental in identifying irregular betting patterns, setting a precedent for future collaborations in combating corruption in sports.

Impact of the Decision on Snooker’s Integrity

This ruling underscores the WPBSA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of snooker. Match-fixing not only tarnishes the reputation of the sport but also undermines the trust of fans, players, and stakeholders.

What This Means for Players

For professional players, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating the WPBSA’s regulations. The association’s strict stance ensures that no individual, regardless of their stature or past achievements, is exempt from scrutiny.

The Role of Technology in Detecting Corruption

With the involvement of Sportradar and advanced betting analytics, the WPBSA demonstrated how technology can play a critical role in uncovering unethical practices. These partnerships are expected to grow, providing a robust framework to deter and detect corruption.

Future Measures to Protect Snooker’s Integrity

The WPBSA is expected to continue enhancing its monitoring systems and fostering collaborations with regulatory bodies. Initiatives may include:

• Increased Player Education: Workshops and training programs to inform players about the legal and ethical implications of betting.
• Enhanced Surveillance: Advanced analytics to monitor betting activities in real time.
• Stronger Penalties: Revisiting sanctions to ensure they effectively deter future violations.

Conclusion: The Suspension

The five-year suspension of Mark King stands as a testament to the WPBSA’s dedication to preserving the integrity of snooker. This case serves as a cautionary tale for players and a reassurance for fans that unethical behavior will not be tolerated. As the sport continues to grow globally, the WPBSA’s vigilance will play a crucial role in upholding its reputation.

FAQs About Mark King’s Suspension by the WPBSA

1. Why was Mark King suspended by the WPBSA?

Mark King was suspended for five years after being found guilty of match-fixing and sharing inside information for betting purposes during his match against Joe Perry on 13 February 2023.

2. How long is Mark King’s suspension?

Mark King is banned from participating in WPBSA-recognised activities from 18 March 2023 to 17 March 2028, a period of five years.

3. What activities is Mark King prohibited from during his suspension?

During the suspension, King is prohibited from:

• Competing in professional snooker tournaments
• Coaching players
• Taking on any administrative roles within WPBSA-recognised events or organizations

4. Was Mark King fined in addition to the suspension?

Yes, Mark King has been ordered to pay £68,299.50 ($86,216) in costs.

5. What evidence led to Mark King’s suspension?

The evidence included suspicious betting patterns detected in King’s match against Joe Perry. Investigations by WPBSA, Sportradar, and the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit confirmed match-fixing and the sharing of betting-related inside information.

6. Who handled Mark King’s disciplinary case?

The case was reviewed by an Independent Disciplinary Committee in May 2024, chaired by Graeme McPherson KC, with both King and WPBSA represented by legal counsel.

7. Can Mark King appeal the suspension?

Yes, Mark King retains the right to appeal the ruling, with the deadline for appeal submissions set for 28 November 2024.

8. What role did the Gambling Commission play in the investigation?

The Gambling Commission provided critical betting data through its Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, which was instrumental in confirming the match-fixing allegations against Mark King.

9. What was WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson’s statement on the case?

Jason Ferguson expressed sadness over the findings but reaffirmed the WPBSA’s commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity. He emphasized that protecting the sport’s reputation is the association’s top priority.

10. What measures will WPBSA take to prevent future incidents?

The WPBSA plans to:

• Enhance player education about ethical conduct and betting-related risks
• Strengthen monitoring systems with advanced analytics
• Foster collaborations with organizations like Sportradar and the Gambling Commission to detect corruption more effectively

11. What does this case signify for snooker’s integrity?

The suspension highlights WPBSA’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, ensuring a fair and transparent environment for players, fans, and stakeholders.

12. How does technology help detect match-fixing?

The involvement of Sportradar and advanced betting analytics enabled the WPBSA to identify suspicious betting patterns and confirm unethical practices, showcasing the crucial role of technology in maintaining sports integrity.