Stephen Lee faces a potential life ban from snooker after being found guilty of fixing seven matches.
The 38-year-old former world No 5 has been found guilty of match-fixing charges relating to seven matches in 2008 and 2009.
Although the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association will not confirm Lee’s punishment until next Tuesday, WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson confirmed he faces “a significant sanction”.
Lee was charged following an investigation into eight matches four at the Malta Cup in 2008, two at the UK Championship in 2008 and one each at the China Open and the World Championship in 2009.
He was suspended last October and an independent hearing was arranged by Sport Resolutions UK.
The WPBSA asked Sport Resolutions UK to appoint an independent QC to hear the available evidence. Adam Lewis QC was appointed to hear the case, which was heard in Bristol last week.
The WPBSA statement continued: “The facts are that between February 2008 and April 2009, Stephen Lee was in contact with three different groups of people, all of whom placed bets on the outcomes of his matches or on the outcomes of frames within his matches or on the exact score of his matches.
“This took place in seven matches over four tournaments. The bets were placed by three groups of people. The first were organised by his then sponsor, who opened multiple betting accounts with various associates. These accounts were used to place the bets.
“The second group were co-ordinated by his then manager who placed almost identical bets. The third was an individual known to Lee, who placed the same bets independently of the other two groups.
“Lee was in contact with the groups in the lead-up to the matches in question and afterwards. In one case the person collected the successful bet and placed the half of the winnings into Lee’s wife’s bank account.
“The total amount bet on these matches was in excess of £111,000, leading to winnings of over £97,000.”
Ferguson added: “Stephen Lee was the number five player in the world and had the opportunity to be part of snooker’s great success story.
“His future participation in the sport is now in real doubt.”