A professional snooker player currently serving a suspension for match-fixing has declared that anyone found guilty of the offence should receive a permanent ban from the sport.
Mark King, who cannot compete until March 2028, stated: "I don't think anyone should come back once they've been caught. If you're guilty, that's it, you should never be allowed to play again."
The 51-year-old's comments come whilst he serves his own five-year suspension following a guilty verdict in November 2024.
His ban relates to a Welsh Open match in February 2023, where unusual betting activity was detected after his 4-0 defeat to Joe Perry.
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|Mark King is suspended until 2028 due to match fixing
King initially faced suspension in March 2023 when snooker authorities identified irregular betting activity connected to his Welsh Open encounter. Perry faced no allegations of wrongdoing.
The Essex-based player has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. Following an unsuccessful challenge in May, he received a substantial financial penalty of £113,000 in legal costs.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association delivered their verdict in November 2024, imposing the ban that extends to March 2028. The governing body stated that match-fixing represents the most severe breach possible within the sport.
They confirmed that comprehensive investigations had uncovered compelling evidence, leading to proceedings under their conduct regulations. The former Northern Ireland Open winner previously held the world number 11 ranking.
The controversy has exacted a significant personal cost on King and his family. He revealed that his wife required a pacemaker shortly after the investigation began, attributing her health complications to the stress of the situation.
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|Mark King has opened up on the toll the suspension has taken on his family
"The hardest part of this has been seeing what it's done to my wife. She had a pacemaker fitted not long after it all started, and it's been really tough on her," King said.
The player, who has previously battled gambling addiction, acknowledged the severe impact on his psychological wellbeing.
Despite receiving emotional support from fellow professionals, including three-time world champion Mark Williams who contacted him to offer encouragement, King continues to struggle with the aftermath.
The suspension has created severe financial hardship for King, who faces the daunting prospect of paying the £113,000 costs order.
"I don't have £113,000 lying around. I'm out of work at 51, and I tried doing a bit of labouring, but it was too much for me," he told BBC Essex.
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|Mark King has struggled to pay the fines from his trial
With nearly three years remaining before he can potentially return to professional competition, King expressed uncertainty about his sporting future.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I love playing, love the travel, but I'm still hurt and angry," he said.
The WPBSA has highlighted that support services, including counselling and legal assistance, remain available to players facing difficulties.