Darts player banned for 11 years

Darts attracts crowds in many parts of the world. In packed halls, champions compete in fiercely contested competitions.

Andrew Jenkins was never a great champion—he didn't win a single professional tournament—but he often excelled at reaching a respectable level. For example, he reached the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup against the Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld.

But since Wednesday, the English player has been banned from playing his favorite sport for 11 years. He has been suspended by the Darts Regulatory Authority (DRA). His crime: fixing 24 matches and betting on others.

Jenkins denied all 24 charges of fixing but pleaded guilty to one bet. The DRA nevertheless convicted him on all counts, and he is now barred from "playing or being involved in any way in any DRA-regulated event for a period of 11 years." This has been the case since November 15, 2023, the date of his first suspension.

He will also have to pay a fine of approximately 20,000 francs. He still has time to pay, however, as the bill must be settled by the end of his suspension in 2034.

Now 54, Jenkins, who was previously suspended in 2009 for fighting with an opponent, is not expected to return to competition.