Lee ‘has case to answer’ over fixing allegations

The world number 13, winner of last year’s Players Tour Championship finals as well as the 2006 Welsh Open and 2002 Scottish Open, was arrested and bailed on suspicion of cheating in February 2010. The 38-year-old was then suspended last October following a suspect 4-2 Premier League loss to John Higgins, and the WPBSA have decided to look into the results of his which have come under scrutiny. The Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to take further action against Lee days prior to the defeat to Higgins. A WPBSA statement read: “As a result of the referral by the Gambling Commission on 5th October 2012, Nigel Mawer the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the WPBSA, launched an investigation into alleged match fixing by Stephen Lee in relation to matches at the Malta Cup 2008, the UK Championship 2008, the China Open in 2009 and the World Championship 2009. “The WPBSA has gathered a large amount of material from the Gambling Commission, West Midlands police and third parties in relation to these allegations. “This has been a complex investigation where the material has had to be traced, recovered and re-evaluated with regard to the WPBSA rules. “The available evidence has now been considered and in accordance with the Disciplinary Rules, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee has decided that there is a case for Stephen Lee to answer in relation to a breach of the WPBSA Members Rules. “These alleged breaches relate to four matches at the Malta Cup 2008, two matches at the UK Championship 2008, one match at the China Open 2009 and one match at the World Championship 2009. “The case will be heard at a formal independent hearing arranged by Sport Resolutions UK at a date to be arranged. “Stephen Lee is currently suspended from competition and Jason Ferguson, the Chairman of the WPBSA, has decided that the suspension will remain in force until the conclusion of the hearing or hearings and the determination of this matter. “The investigation into the suspicious betting in relation to Stephen Lee’s Premier League match with John Higgins on 11th October 2012 is ongoing.”