In a dramatic conclusion to one of snooker's biggest corruption cases, former world number five Stephen Lee has seen his final appeal against a 12-year ban completely rejected, effectively ending his professional career.
The Final Verdict
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has confirmed that an independent appeal board has dismissed Lee's challenge, upholding the original suspension that runs until October 12th, 2034. This decision marks the end of the road for the 49-year-old player's legal battles.
A Career Cut Short by Corruption
Lee's ban, originally imposed in 2013, represents one of the most severe punishments in snooker history. The WPBSA found him guilty of manipulating seven matches in 2008 and 2009, including games at the World Championship and UK Championship.
The evidence against Lee was overwhelming, with the initial tribunal describing the case as demonstrating the "worst case of corruption in snooker we've seen."
Failed Comeback Attempts
This latest appeal represented Lee's final hope of returning to professional snooker. The player, who won five ranking titles during his career, had previously attempted to overturn the ban through multiple legal channels without success.
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson stated: "We welcome this decision which supports the original finding that Stephen Lee was in breach of the WPBSA Betting Rules."
The Legacy of the Case
The Stephen Lee match-fixing scandal remains one of the most significant integrity cases in snooker history. His ban, which will see him aged 60 upon its completion, serves as a stark warning to players about the consequences of breaching betting rules.
With this final appeal rejected, the snooker world can now draw a line under one of its most damaging corruption cases, while Lee's once-promising career ends in permanent disgrace.
