Stephen Lee is to appeal against his 12-year ban from snooker and the findings of a tribunal into match-fixing, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association has announced.
Former world number five Lee has insisted on his innocence throughout the investigation into claims surrounding seven matches in 2008 and 2009.
Englishman Lee, who turns 39 on Saturday, was found guilty of fixing offences at an independent hearing arranged by Sport Resolutions UK and served with his long ban on September 25th.
He was also ordered to pay €47,000 in costs.
The sport’s governing body said in a statement today: “The WPBSA has received notice of appeal from solicitors representing Stephen Lee.
“He is appealing against the finding of the tribunal, the sanction and the costs awarded. The WPBSA has asked Sport Resolutions UK to manage the appeal process and appoint an independent QC to chair the appeals committee.”
Lee, a five-time ranking event winner , faced charges from the WPBSA over three matches in the 2008 Malta Cup, two matches at the 2008 UK Championship, one at the 2009 China Open and one at the 2009 World Championship.
