Stephen Lee has lost the first stage of an appeal as he tries to overcome a 12-year ban from snooker.
The 39-year-old Englishman was given the suspension by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) after being found guilty of seven charges of match-fixing dating back to 2008.
A two-part appeal started Tuesday with Lee, who insists he is innocent of all charges, challenging Adam Lewis' suitability as chairman of the independent disciplinary tribunal that hears his case.
Lewis, a senior English lawyer, has also represented Leyton Orient, the third tier football club owned by World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn, in their attempt to secure a judicial review of West Ham being handed the Olympic Stadium tenancy.
Lee claimed in his appeal there was a conflict of interest given Lewis and Hearn have worked together outside snooker.
However, the WPBSA said Tuesday an independent appeals body had rejected this part of Lee's argument.
"The appeals committee have considered the evidence and submissions made by all parties in the first part of Stephen Lee's appeal against his conviction for match fixing," the WPBSA said in a statement.
"Today (Tuesday) they have delivered their decision and they have dismissed this aspect of his appeal.
"A new date will be set to hear the remainder of his appeal," he added.
Lee will challenge the guilty verdict in the second part of the appeal.
