Stephen Lee's 12-year ban for match-fixing has been upheld, effectively ending his professional snooker career. The former world number five failed in his final appeal against the suspension, which was imposed in September 2013 after he was found guilty of fixing seven matches in 2008 and 2009.
The Wiltshire potter, a five-time ranking tournament winner, will not be eligible to return to competitive snooker until October 12, 2024, when he will be 50 years old. The appeal was dismissed by Nicholas Stewart QC, who also increased the original costs order from £40,000 to £75,000.
The fixed matches included deliberate defeats to Ken Doherty and Marco Fu at the 2008 Malta Cup, as well as agreements to lose the first frame against Stephen Hendry and Mark King at the 2008 UK Championship. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) had initially sought a life ban but expressed satisfaction with the current punishment.
Nigel Mawer, chairman of the WPBSA's disciplinary committee, expressed sadness over the case, stating that Lee had thrown away his career through greed. He noted that while a seniors tour exists, it would be difficult for Lee to re-engage after such a long absence from the sport.
