Snooker star gets hit with five-year ban for match-fixing and must pay over €81,000 in costs

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman said he was left "deeply saddened to read the finding in this case."

British snooker player Mark King has been hit with a five-year ban from the sport for match-fixing and providing inside information.

King's suspension was handed down due to a match he played at the Welsh Open against Joe Perry last February being flagged for suspicious betting patterns.

The 50-year-old was suspended by the sport's governing body the following month. An independent disciplinary commission has now ruled that King fixed the result of this match and was giving information to others about that match for betting purposes. He had denied the charges.

The former Northern Ireland Open winner has until November 28 to appeal against the decision. Two other charges relating to King’s match with John Higgins on December 13 2022 were dismissed.

His suspension will cease on March 17 2028 and he has also been ordered to pay over £68,000 (€81,500) in costs.

Ex-player and current chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Jason Ferguson said in a statement: “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 No 1 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.”

King's controversy is another added to a growing list as Chinese players Liang Wenbo and Li Hang were both hit with lifetime suspensions from snooker last year following their part in a match-fixing scandal.