Stephen Lee appeals 12-year snooker ban

Snooker player Stephen Lee has lodged an appeal against his 12-year ban for match-fixing.

The 38-year-old received the punishment last month after he was found guilty of fixing seven matches between 2008 and 2009.

The former world number five, who was also fined £40,000, has repeatedly protested his innocence.

An official statement from the sport's governing body read: "The WPBSA has received notice of appeal from solicitors representing Stephen Lee. He is appealing against the finding of the tribunal, the sanction and the costs awarded.

"The WPBSA has asked Sport Resolutions UK to manage the appeal process and appoint an independent QC to chair the Appeals Committee."

Lee began his professional snooker career in 1992.