Stephen Lee’s 12-year match-fixing ban upheld

Lee was found guilty at an independent tribunal hearing in September of "agreeing an arrangement... (and of)... accepting or receiving or offering to receive... payment" for influencing the outcome or conduct of matches.

He had appealed the verdict and being ordered to pay £40,000 costs, but his plea was dismissed on Thursday as the costs increased to £75,000.

The player later took to Facebook to express his dismay at the decision and criticised snooker chief Barry Hearn.

Lee conspired to fix matches in four tournaments - the 2008 Malta Cup, 2008 UK Championship, 2009 China Open and 2009 World Championship.