Snooker star given five-year ban for match-fixing makes feelings clear on return to the sport
A snooker player who was handed a five-year ban for match-fixing back in 2024 has opened up about a potential return to the sport.
Sunderland’s Mark King was initially suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in 2023 due to suspicious betting patterns being reported on a 4-0 loss to Joe Perry that year, although Perry was not accused of any wrongdoing.
King, 51, has consistently denied the charge but lost an appeal in May 2025 and was forced to pay more than £113,000 in costs.
As reported by BBC Sport in 2024, an independent disciplinary committee found King guilty of one count of match fixing and one count of providing inside information on a match.
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The panel also heard accusations that King fixed a match against John Higgins in December 2022, but the claims were dismissed.
“I have known Mark since he was young, he is a very experienced player who has enjoyed great success, and I am deeply saddened to read the finding in this case," said WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson in 2024.
"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."
So, King will not be permitted to return to action until March 2028.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, King opened up about life since the ruling and stressed how the situation has put a strain on his family.
"I think the hardest person affected is my wife. She had a pacemaker fitted not long after the investigation started," King said.
"It's really took a toll on her.”
He also explained how he is struggling to cope with the financial demands put on him due to the costs associated with the ban.
"Well, I obviously haven't got £113,000 in my back pocket for a start," he added.
"I'm out of work because obviously I'm a 51-year-old man. I did a little bit of a labouring job, but that was a bit too much for me."
When pressed on a potential return to snooker, King explained: "I honestly don't know at this time.
"I love playing and I love the life of it and travelling all around the world and playing, but at the same time I still feel hurt and angry."
Topics: Snooker, Sunderland
Luke Davies