Raymond van Barneveld, a five‑time world darts champion, has been hit with both a monetary fine and a period of suspension after the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) found him guilty of conduct that breached the sport's code of conduct. The DRA, an independent organization tasked with overseeing the integrity and discipline of darts events—including those organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), World Darts Federation (WDF), Modus, and the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC)—has released a comprehensive case list that covers back‑dated hearings from January 2023 through June 2026.
This is the first time the authority has published a full register since 2022, and it details a range of incidents that occurred both on televised stages and in lower‑profile tournaments. Among the names appearing in the list are former world champions Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Luke Humphries, and Van Barneveld himself, as well as other notable players such as Cameron Menzies and Dom Taylor.
The document provides a transparent view of the disciplinary actions taken against these high‑profile athletes, underscoring the DRA's commitment to maintaining professional standards across the sport. Van Barneveld, often celebrated as one of darts' all‑time greats, is cited in two separate entries. The first concerns "inappropriate behaviour and the use of offensive language" during the Players Championship 2 tournament held in Wigan last year. For this breach, the DRA imposed a three‑month suspension (effectively a suspended twelve‑month ban) and levied a £3,000 fine.
The second entry relates to a failure to report damage caused to a hotel room after a Players Championship event in Germany, which resulted in a formal warning rather than a financial penalty. Both incidents illustrate how even the most respected figures in darts are subject to the same rules and expectations as any other competitor. Barney, as he is affectionately known, first rose to prominence in the British Darts Organisation (BDO), winning the Lakeside World Championship in 1998, 1999, 2003 and 2005.
He switched to the PDC in 2006 and cemented his legacy by capturing the 2007 PDC World Championship in a historic final against Phil "The Power" Taylor. His career achievements have made him a household name among darts fans worldwide, and his recent disciplinary issues have therefore attracted considerable media attention. In addition to Van Barneveld's case, the DRA's register also details the sanction imposed on Cameron Menzies.
After an emotional outburst at the World Championship in December, Menzies was given a four‑month suspension—already served by the time of the report—and fined £2,500. The incident unfolded when Menzies, frustrated by a loss to Charlie Manby, repeatedly struck the underside of the drinks table on stage, drawing blood on his knuckles, which he then wiped across his face before exiting the arena.
Menzies later issued a heartfelt apology, explaining that personal stress, including the recent death of his uncle Gary, had contributed to his loss of composure. He emphasized that his grief was not an excuse for his actions and expressed remorse for any negative impression his behaviour may have left on fans and fellow players. The register also notes the case of Phil Taylor, whose failed drug test at the World Championship resulted in a six‑month suspension lasting until 18 June, a £1,275 cost assessment, and the forfeiture of £25,000 in prize money.
The DRA confirmed that Taylor tested positive for both cocaine and cannabis, marking his second anti‑doping violation. According to the authority, the substances were consumed out of competition and before the championship began on 11 December 2025.
Under UK Anti‑Doping (UKAD) rules, a second offence mandates a six‑month ban, and Taylor also lost his Tour Card as a consequence. Previously, he had served a one‑month ban in 2025 after testing positive at the Players Championship Finals in November 2024; that sanction was reduced from an initial two‑year term after he agreed to complete a UKAD‑approved three‑month substance‑abuse treatment programme. Match‑fixing allegations also feature prominently in the DRA's latest disclosures.
Both Prakash Jiwa and Andy Jenkins were handed substantial bans and ordered to pay more than £17,000 in costs after being found guilty of manipulating match outcomes in the Modus Super Series during the 2022‑2023 seasons. Their cases highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in darts and the severe financial and reputational consequences for those who breach the sport's integrity. The updated case list serves several purposes.
Firstly, it provides transparency for fans, sponsors, and stakeholders, demonstrating that the DRA is actively monitoring and enforcing standards. Secondly, it acts as a deterrent, reminding players that misconduct—whether on‑stage, off‑stage, or off‑the‑field—will be met with clear repercussions. Finally, it reinforces the message that darts, like any professional sport, must uphold a level playing field and a respectful environment for competitors and audiences alike.
For viewers interested in following the latest developments, the DRA has advised using the Chrome browser to access a more accessible video player for related footage. Meanwhile, broadcasters such as Sky Sports continue to cover major darts events, and platforms like NOW offer live streaming of tournaments, highlights, and podcasts—including the popular "Love the Darts" series. Looking ahead, the darts calendar remains packed with high‑stakes competitions. The BoyleSports World Grand Prix, for example, will see world number one Luke Littler defending his title, with matches slated for broadcast on Sky Sports and streaming on NOW.
As the sport moves forward, the DRA's vigilant oversight will remain a cornerstone of its governance, ensuring that the excitement of darts is matched by a commitment to fairness, professionalism, and respect for all participants.