Snooker: Stephen Lee has 'case to answer' over match-fixing and suspicious betting, rules world body

Stephen Lee denies all charges of match fixing and betting breaches (Getty Images)

World snooker No 8 Stephen Lee has "a case to answer", the World Professional Snooker and Billiards Association has decided after an investigation into suspicious betting. Lee, 38, insists he is innocent.

The Trowbridge player faces a formal independent hearing at a date to be arranged. The inquiry relates to four matches at the Malta Cup 2008, two matches at the 2008 UK Championship, one match at the 2009 China Open and one match at the world championship in the same year. Lee, who has been suspended since October last year, lost three of four Malta Cup matches.

An investigation into suspicious betting in Lee's Premier League match with John Higgins in October 2012 continues. The rules Lee is alleged to have broken relate to providing information that "is not publicly available" and influencing "the outcome or conduct of a game or frame."

In a statement, snooker's regulatory body said: "The WPBSA has gathered a large amount of material from the Gambling Commission, West Midlands Police and third parties. The chairman of the disciplinary committee has decided that there is a case for Stephen Lee to answer."

In a statement, Lee denied all allegations and said he: "does not accept that he has been involved in any breaches of the rules and regulations and is gravely disappointed that a decision has been taken to bring proceedings"