Match-fixers should be banned for life, says suspended King

Suspended snooker player Mark King advises that anyone found guilty of match-fixing be permanently barred.

He told BBC Essex, “I don’t think anyone should come back. You should never be able to play again,” and he defended his position.

The 51-year-old was suspended for the first time in March 2023 by the sport’s governing body.

That was after a suspicious betting report about his Welsh Open defeat to Joe Perry by a 4-0 margin was made.

Perry was unconcerned with any accusations.

King has always rejected the accusation, which he lost in May. He was required to pay costs totaling more than £113, 000.

There was no more serious violation of the rules than match fixing in betting, according to the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, and it had a “long track record of thoroughly investigating such allegations.”

King had been implicated in fixing match results, according to the WPBSA.

“In this case, King faced serious legal challenges, which necessitated compliance with the WPBSA’s Conduct Regulations.” The findings of two independent KC Chaired Tribunals confirmed this, according to a statement.

Former Northern Ireland Open champion King claimed that his family was under strain by the circumstances.

My wife is probably the hardest hit, in my opinion. Not long after the investigation began, he continued, she was fitted with a pacemaker.

“It really took a toll on her,” she said.

The Essex player is a recovering gambling addict who placed 11th in the world in 2003.

Since receiving his suspension for the first time, he claimed to have struggled with poor mental health.

According to the WPBSA, players’ mental well-being is always top of mind.

Mark King received a full range of support from the beginning of this case, the statement read.

King claimed that Mark Williams, a three-time world champion, and a few other professional players called him after receiving his suspension.

Mark Williams was one of the first players to call me right away, King claimed.

He said, “Listen, I don’t care what’s happening,” “. I’m just calling to let you know how you’re doing. We’ve known each other for a long time, so that’s a genuine friend.

King claimed he was having difficulty paying the costs.

He responded, “Well, I obviously don’t have £113, 000 in my back pocket for a start.”

“I’m out of work because I’m a 51-year-old man, after all.” I did a little bit of labor, but it was way too much for me.

When his suspension was lifted in less than three years, he said he was unsure whether he would play again.

He continued, “I honestly don’t know at this time.”