Stephen Lee Found Guilty Of Match Fixing

Snooker ace Stephen Lee faces a lifetime ban from snooker after being found guilty of fixing 7 matches.

The former World number 5, a household name in his prime, faces a “significant sanction” for the acts which took place in 2008 and 2009.

The 38 year old was charged following an enquiry into eight matches; four in 2008 while playing in the Malta Cup, two at 2008 UK Championships and one at the World Championship and China Open in 2009.

It is thought that Lee received payments for playing games under specific instructions to allow gamblers to place wagers on specific correct scores that were predetermined.

The WPSBA relayed in their statement “The bets were placed by three groups of people. The first were organised by his then sponsor who opened multiple betting accounts with various associates. These accounts were used to place the bets.

“The second group were co-ordinated by his then manager who placed almost identical bets.

“The third was an individual known to Lee who placed the same bets independently of the other two groups.”

Banned last October from all competitions, Lee must now face his punishment next Tuesday. Although not known as yet, it is likely to be a lifetime ban from snooker.

Former World number 1 John Higgins was the last player to be accused of similar activity, famously being caught on tape discussing terms of possible match fixes. The Scotsman was later cleared of all offences and continues playing today.