[Marc]

Stephen Lee has been banned from competitive snooker for 12 years after being found guilty of fixing seven matches.

The former world No 5 was initially charged following an investigation into eight matches - four at the Malta Cup in 2008, two at the UK Championship in 2008, and one each at the China Open and the World Championship in 2009.

The suspension has been dated to start from October 12, 2012, when the interim suspension was imposed, leaving Lee unable to play again before October 12, 2024, his 50th birthday.

He has also been ordered to pay £40,000 towards the cost of the hearing, although Lee has confirmed he will appeal against the suspension.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: "We take no pride in having to deal with such serious issues. However this demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that snooker is free from corruption.

"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.

"We work closely with partners globally and the message we are sending is that if you get involved in match-fixing you will be found out and removed from the sport".

Speaking to Sky Sports News, WPBSA disciplinary committee chairman Nigel Mawer said: "I think it sends a very clear message that people who get involved in match-fixing are going to face severe penalties, and in Stephen Lee's case it's ended him having any involvement in snooker.

"I think a 12-year ban in this case is the equivalent of a lifetime ban because it's highly unlikely that a player would be able to come back and compete at the top level after such a ban."

Former professional Willie Thorne added: "Twelve years is virtually a life ban. Stephen was playing some of the best snooker of his career. It's just a shame it's come to that because he was a very, very good player."

The match he fixed is on this page; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/24270974

[Cherie]

Greedy, he could have earned 10 x as much if he carried on just playing instead of trying to make easy money.

[Marc]

He looks the greedy type

[MTVN]

The man is innocent

[Ramsay]

Never liked him anyway