Disgraced snooker star could make spectacular return to sport after being slapped with 12-YEAR ban

STEPHEN LEE could return to the snooker table this year after his 12-year ban comes to an end.

The disgraced star was handed a lengthy ban back in 2013 after he was found guilty of seven charges of match fixing.

Stephen Lee could return to Snooker later this yearGetty Images - Getty

The former world number five was fined £40,000 for the breaches which took place between 2008 and 2009.

But after biding his time without a cue in his hand, Lee could return to the sport he once made a mockery of.

The 49-year-old’s ban is set to expire in October of this year, meaning he can return to WPBSA-affiliated tournaments.

And he hasn’t ruled out making what would be a controversial return to snooker.

Speaking to the Mirror in 2022, he said: “I must get asked this [about a return] weekly, daily, minutely.

“I would like to say no…. but I am still capable of playing. Let’s see what happens in two years.

“It’s not a no, and not a yes, we can only just see what happens in a couple of years’ time.”

While Scottish snooker legend John Higgins has previously said the sport would welcome Lee back with “open arms”.

The four-time world champion said: “If he serves his ban and decides to come back we will welcome him back with open arms,

“What a player he was. I’d have no problem, none at all.”

Although news of a return to snooker may frustrate those at the WPBSA who were hoping to keep Lee away from the sport for good.

The organisation’s head of disciplinary Nigel Mawer told PA: “We did say we were seeking a life ban because if it was seven matches that had been fixed including during the World Championship.

“But in effect it is a life ban because I think it is highly unlikely that Stephen Lee will be able to come back to the sport at this level.”

Lee may not return to the sport and is yet to publicly declare a decision on his future in snooker.

But should he wish to make a dramatic return he will have to work his way to the main tour from the ground up by passing through Qualifying School, the secondary amateur Q Tour, or events such as the WSF Championship.

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Snooker star John Higgins has previously said he would welcome Lee’s return[/caption]