Stephen Lee has spoken publicly for the first time as his 12-year ban from professional snooker ended, expressing his eagerness to return to the sport. The former world number nine was suspended in 2012 after being found guilty of match-fixing,a scandal that rocked the world of snooker.
Lee’s return marks a meaningful moment for both the player and the sport, coming after a period of increased scrutiny regarding integrity within professional snooker. His ban was the most severe sanction in the game’s history at the time, surpassed only by the lifetime bans handed to Liang Wenbo and Li Hang in 2023 following a separate match-fixing inquiry involving multiple Chinese players, including reigning world champion Zhao Xintong.
The WPBSA, the governing body for professional snooker, confirmed the end of lee’s suspension, allowing him to reapply for membership and compete on the professional circuit. Upon issuing the original punishment, the WPBSA stated its “zero tolerance approach to match fixing and this is further evidence of our uncompromising approach to dealing with such issues.”
Lee was found to have fixed seven matches in 2009, receiving a penalty of £21,000 and being stripped of his ranking prize money. He has maintained a low profile throughout his ban, but now appears resolute to rebuild his career. Details of his immediate playing schedule have not yet been announced, but his return will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and fellow professionals alike.