Stephen Lee Gives Major Update on Snooker Return After Ban

Stephen Lee has provided a significant update on his career status after his 12-year ban from snooker expired.

Lee was initially suspended on October 12, 2012 after he was found guilty of influencing the outcome of seven matches between 2008 and 2009, including a World Championship fixture at the Crucible Theatre.

The ban was enforced in 2014 but backdated to the beginning of the suspension.

It was the longest suspension in the history of the sport until 2023 when Liang Wenbo and Li Hang were given lifetime bans in relation to a Chinese match-fixing scandal.

The ban expired on October 2024 when Lee turned 50 and appeared to open the doors to the Wiltshire-born cueist returning to the big time.

The legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan, a fellow member of the 'Class of 92' told SPORTbible that Lee "could compete" - with John Higgins stating would welcome him back 'with open arms'.

However, Lee cannot simply return right away, as the World Pool, Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), who govern all World Snooker Tour events, confirmed in August that Lee still owes them £125,000 in relation to unsuccessful appeals and court fees.

In order to earn a spot back on the main tour, Lee would then need to qualify through UK Q-School.

Lee was banned for 12 years. Image: Getty

Lee breaks silence on snooker future

And in a rare new interview, Lee has confirmed that he has no intention of returning to the sport in a professional capacity.

Making his feelings clear on the WPBSA, he explained that he has a busy schedule in Asia with events in Thailand, where he lives, and China.

“I’m still able to enjoy playing snooker at a certain level,” Lee told The Hindu.

“But I’m not silly enough to think I’m going back after 12 years – 12 years is too long. I’m not prepared to waste any time battling it out in Q School.

“And working again for WPBSA does not appeal to me one bit. WPBSA never did anything for me as an association, they don’t help players.

“I lost my wife two years ago. She never wanted me to go back and play professional snooker. I’ve got zero interest in the World Snooker Tour, I’m going to do other things.”

Lee went on to reveal that his son Alfie has been dabbling into snooker and he has also set up his own ventures to keep busy.

He continued: “My son Alfie is with me, he’s going into Chinese pool. He has also been playing some snooker in Bangkok. I’ve signed a few deals to do a few things in China.

“I’ve got a couple of my own little businesses. Things have changed, I’m all good.”

In his career, Lee, once ranked fifth in the world, won the Grand Prix twice and got the semi-finals of the 2003 World Snooker Championship.

After his ban finished, he participated in a six-red exhibition against James Wattana - winning 2-1.