Ronnie O’Sullivan Weighs In on Stephen Lee’s Controversial Return to Snooker After 12-Year Ban: ‘Career’s Over’ Warning
Ronnie O’Sullivan has shared his thoughts on the potential return of Stephen Lee to professional snooker after his 12-year ban for match-fixing. Lee, once ranked as high as five in the world, was banned in 2013 for influencing the outcome of seven matches between 2008 and 2009. His ban ended on his 50th birthday last year, and recently, footage of him competing in an exhibition match in Thailand resurfaced, showcasing his impressive skills despite years away from the game.
The topic of match-fixing has dominated snooker in recent years, with a number of players returning to the sport after serving suspensions. Notably, nine Chinese players were banned in June 2023 for fixing matches, while others like Chang Bingyu and Cao Yupeng have resumed their careers after serving their own bans. Lee’s case, however, stands apart due to the severe length of his ban and the requirement for him to pay legal fees to the WPBSA before he could attempt a return to the professional tour.
Despite the drama surrounding match-fixing, Lee, at 50 years old, has yet to show intent to return, having not entered Q-School for the 2025/26 season. Various players, including O’Sullivan, have weighed in on the issue. O’Sullivan, who faced Lee in a final at the 1999 China Open, emphasized the seriousness of the message sent by the ban. In a 2021 podcast, O’Sullivan expressed sympathy for players who may resort to match-fixing due to financial struggles, acknowledging that it’s easy to judge from the outside but difficult to understand the pressures some players face.
While O’Sullivan’s words reveal a level of empathy, the bottom line remains clear: match-fixing is a serious violation, and a strong stance against it is vital for the integrity of snooker.
