Stephen Lee Loses Appeal Against Match-Fixing Ban

Former snooker player Stephen Lee has lost his appeal against a ban for match-fixing at a hearing in London on Thursday.

The former world no. 5 was banned for 12 years – the sports longest ever suspension – after an independent disciplinary tribunal found him guilty on seven counts of match-fixing dating back to matches in 2008 and 2009.

In addition to the lengthy ban, physician the 39-year-old from Trowbridge was originally ordered to pay £40,000 in costs at the hearing last September, which has since been increased to £75,000.

“Today Mr Nicholas Stewart QC [sitting as The Appeals Committee] has delivered his decision and he has dismissed the appeal,” read a WPBSA statement issued on Thursday.

“In addition he has increased the costs order in relation to the hearing before tribunal chairman Adam Lewis QC from £40,000 to £75,000.

“The term of the suspension remains at a period of 12 years. This means that Stephen Lee will continue to be unable to compete in professional snooker before 12 October 2024.”

The charges against Lee related to three matches in the 2008 Malta Cup, two matches at the 2008 UK Championship, one at the 2009 China Open and one at the 2009 World Championship.