On locally finite \(k\)-homogeneous permutation groups (Q699776)

A permutation group on a set \(\Omega\) is \(k\)-homogeneous, if it is transitive in the induced action on the set of (unordered) \(k\)-element subsets of \(\Omega\). Here it is shown that if \(k\geq 2\) and \(G\) is a locally finite infinite permutation group which is \(k\)-homogeneous, and \(k\geq 9\), then the stabiliser of any \(k\) points of \(\Omega\) is infinite. (Local finitenesss is needed here: it is known that for every \(k\), the free group of countable rank has a sharply \(k\)-homogeneous action as a group of order-automorphisms of the rationals.) This theorem is analogous to an earlier result of the author, that if \(G\) is a 4-transitive permutation group on an infinite set, then the stabiliser of any 4 points is infinite. In his proof, the author uses a result from [\textit{M. Yoshizawa}, Arch. Math. 53, No. 5, 417-423 (1989; Zbl 0658.20002)]: if \(G\) is a locally finite 8-transitive permutation group on an infinite set \(\Omega\), then the stabiliser of 8 points of \(\Omega\) has a non-identity 2-subgroup \(P\) which is not semiregular on \(\Omega-I(P)\), where \(I(P)\) is the set of elements fixed by all of \(P\).