In its conclusion, it said Sussex Cricket must now “rebuild confidence by demonstrating that excellence on the pitch and financial sustainability are not competing objectives”.
In February, the ECB announced a 12-point deduction in the County Championship and a point in the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup following “sustained operating losses”.
They were also forced to submit a three-year business plan showing sustainable year-on-year profits, and impose a salary cap until 2028.
Head coach Paul Farbrace has since announced he would step aside to become director of cricket at the end of this season, with Sussex currently sitting fifth in the County Championship.
Farbrace oversaw their promotion the previous year, bringing in top-level players, but the external review said the losses were not due to the £241,000 overspend on men’s professional cricket alone.
Admin expenses such as staff pay (£220,000 over), “grounds expenses” (£205,000 over) and other costs “contributed significantly” to the £836,000 overspend.
They had also overestimated income, with money anticipated from a concert at the ground that never happened, and matchday revenue down.
In April, the commercial team reported hospitality sales of £4,000, compared with a target of £182,000.
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