<p>British snooker player Stephen Lee was handed a 12-year ban for match-fixing on Wednesday that will effectively end his top level career in the game. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) said in a statement that the former world number five was barred from playing until Oct 12, 2024, which will be his 50th birthday. <br /><br />The ban has been timed from the start of his initial suspension last year. <br /><br />Lee, 38, was also ordered to pay 40,000 pounds ($63,900) towards the 'considerable' costs of the investigation and hearing. <br /><br />He had denied the allegations, which relate to seven matches played in 2008 and 2009 including the UK and world championships, and indicated he would appeal. <br /><br />The WPBSA had described it as "the worst case of snooker corruption we've seen". <br /><br />Lee was found guilty at an independent tribunal hearing held from Sept 9-11 of "agreeing an arrangement... (and of)... accepting or receiving or offering to receive... payment" for influencing the outcome or conduct of matches. <br /><br />WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said the ban "demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that snooker is free from corruption. <br /><br />"It is an important part of our anti-corruption approach that players found to be involved in fixing matches or any aspect of a match are severely dealt with.’’<br /><br />"The message we are sending is that if you get involved in match fixing you will be found out and removed from the sport."</p>
<p>British snooker player Stephen Lee was handed a 12-year ban for match-fixing on Wednesday that will effectively end his top level career in the game. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) said in a statement that the former world number five was barred from playing until Oct 12, 2024, which will be his 50th birthday. <br /><br />The ban has been timed from the start of his initial suspension last year. <br /><br />Lee, 38, was also ordered to pay 40,000 pounds ($63,900) towards the 'considerable' costs of the investigation and hearing. <br /><br />He had denied the allegations, which relate to seven matches played in 2008 and 2009 including the UK and world championships, and indicated he would appeal. <br /><br />The WPBSA had described it as "the worst case of snooker corruption we've seen". <br /><br />Lee was found guilty at an independent tribunal hearing held from Sept 9-11 of "agreeing an arrangement... (and of)... accepting or receiving or offering to receive... payment" for influencing the outcome or conduct of matches. <br /><br />WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said the ban "demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that snooker is free from corruption. <br /><br />"It is an important part of our anti-corruption approach that players found to be involved in fixing matches or any aspect of a match are severely dealt with.’’<br /><br />"The message we are sending is that if you get involved in match fixing you will be found out and removed from the sport."</p>