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”.<\/p>\n
In February, the ECB announced a 12-point deduction in the County Championship <\/a>and a point in the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup following “sustained operating losses”.<\/p>\n They were also forced to submit a three-year business plan showing sustainable year-on-year profits, and impose a salary cap until 2028.<\/p>\n Head coach Paul Farbrace has since announced he would step aside to become director of cricket at the end of this season<\/a>, with Sussex currently sitting fifth in the County Championship.<\/p>\n Farbrace oversaw their promotion the previous year, bringing in top-level players, but the external review said the losses were not due to the \u00a3241,000 overspend on men’s professional cricket alone.<\/p>\n Admin expenses such as staff pay (\u00a3220,000 over), “grounds expenses” (\u00a3205,000 over) and other costs “contributed significantly” to the \u00a3836,000 overspend.<\/p>\n They had also overestimated income, with money anticipated from a concert at the ground that never happened, and matchday revenue down. <\/p>\n In April, the commercial team reported hospitality sales of \u00a34,000, compared with a target of \u00a3182,000.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, external<\/a>, X, external<\/a>, and on Instagram, external<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n