Snooker’s Stephen Lee given 12-year ban after being found guilty of match-fixing

Stephen Lee insists he is innocent after been given the 12-year ban for match-fixing.

The former world No 5 was found guilty of seven match-fixing charges by an independent tribunal last week following an investigation into eight matches – four at the Malta Cup in 2008, two at the UK Championship in 2008, and one each at the China Open and the World Championship in 2009.

The suspension has been dated to start from 12 October 2012, when the interim suspension was imposed, leaving Lee unable to play again before 12 October 2024, his 50th birthday.

He has also been ordered to pay £40,000 towards the cost of the hearing, although Lee has confirmed he will appeal against the suspension.