Four Table Tennis Players Suspended for Match-Fixing

_{Darius Knight is one of four suspended table tennis players facing disciplinary actions after an extensive investigation into match-fixing. (Image: PA Images / Alamy)}

Four members of Table Tennis England have been suspended from the sport following a complex international investigation into match-fixing and unusual betting activity in the sport.

Luke Savill, Darius Knight, Joseph Langham-Ferreira, and Kazeem Adeleke appeared before the disciplinary committee for breaches of the TTE's anti-corruption regulations relating to betting on table tennis matches.  

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Gambling Commission Intelligence Unit Played Key Role  

The Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) played a key role in identifying and supporting the investigation into match-fixing within table tennis. 

SBIU's work began after receiving reports of unusual and suspicious betting activity from licensed operators on matches held in Ukraine in 2020, linked to British betting accounts. 

This information was developed, and intelligence was shared with several stakeholders, including Table Tennis England, prompting a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and specialist consultants.

The issue of match-fixing is not exclusive to table tennis—other sports, including snooker, have faced similar integrity challenges. Snooker has had its own high-profile controversies, with some of its most well-known players involved in gambling-related scandals that rocked the sport.

Additionally, a recent case saw three people arrested in Birmingham for their alleged involvement in a match-fixing scheme related to a boxing fight, reinforcing the regulator’s commitment to tackling corruption in sports betting.

Integrity in Sport Matters  

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “This case highlights the importance of global collaboration in protecting the integrity of sport. Over the past five years, stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions have worked together to investigate and address concerns around match-fixing.

“This demonstrates that safeguarding sport is a shared responsibility, and those who seek to manipulate outcomes face increasing scrutiny. The message is clear: integrity in sport matters, and efforts to uphold it will continue.”  

Tough Sanctions for Players Suspended from Sport  

A Table Tennis England committee ruled that Luke Savill be suspended from the sport indefinitely but for a minimum of six years before review. Darius Knight got sanctioned for six years, Kazeem Adeleke for five. Lastly, Joseph Langham-Ferreira is sanctioned for three years. 

_{Table Tennis England banned sanctioned players from all competitive and organizational roles in the sport. (Image: TTE)}

They have until April 8, 2025, to appeal the decision of the TTE Disciplinary Committee. 

Table Tennis England also stated: “A player who is Sanctioned must not take part in any table tennis activity (either competition or practice) held under the auspices of Table Tennis England at any level (club, league, county or national).

“Sit on (or in) any committee at club, league, county, region or national levels, or help with the organisation of any event. Coach or assist in coaching at any level Umpire any matches or act as a referee at any level Spectate at any event/club/training session.” 

Proceedings Linked to Australian Player Placing Bets on Fixed Matches 

The proceedings were also linked to a high-profile criminal case in Australia involving former leading Australian player Adam Green, who admitted placing more than 1,100 bets on fixed matches in Ukraine. That case was concluded in September 2023.  

Table Tennis England CEO Sally Lockyer said, “We take our responsibilities as a governing body very seriously and ensure we fully investigate any claims of breaches of regulations or codes of conduct. 

“This was a complex case with international connections. We worked in conjunction with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Integrity Unit, SBIU, authorities in Australia and experienced consultants to ensure all facts were presented to the Disciplinary Committee and we would like to thank the panel for their consideration of the case.”