Mark King’s Shocking Match-Fixing Appeal Rejected: Five-Year Ban Upheld in Explosive Snooker Scandal

Mark King, a prominent snooker player, has lost his appeal against a five-year ban imposed for match-fixing. In November 2024, an independent disciplinary committee found the Englishman guilty of one count of match-fixing and one count of providing inside information on a match. The ban followed an investigation triggered by suspicious betting activity during his match against Joe Perry at the Welsh Open on February 13, 2023, a match King lost 4-0. Although Perry was not implicated, the betting patterns raised concerns.

As a result of the findings, King, who was previously ranked world number 11, was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in March 2023 and ordered to pay £68,000 in costs. King contested the ruling and his appeal was heard in April 2025 by an independent committee. In his defense, he presented four arguments, one of which he dropped before the hearing. He pointed to the betting patterns, which he argued did not support the notion that he intentionally lost 4-0, and challenged the conclusions made about his form and an injury he claimed to be nursing at the time. However, the appeal committee upheld the original verdict, stating that the disciplinary committee’s conclusions were reasonable and well-supported by evidence.

King will now be eligible to return to competitive snooker in March 2028, after serving the entirety of his ban.