Sussex hit with 12-point deduction and three-year ECB sanctions after financial losses

Sussex will begin the 2026 County Championship season with a 12-point deduction and will operate under strict financial and sporting restrictions for the next three years after being placed in special measures by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The sanctions were imposed after Sussex recorded an operating loss of £297,000 in 2024, with a further deficit expected when the club’s 2025 accounts are published. As part of the ECB’s Exceptional Funding Policy, Sussex has entered into a three-year

financial framework in return for a structured loan, which must be repaid in full by January 31, 2029.

Former chief executive Pete Fitzboydon resigned last summer for undisclosed reasons. Mark West is currently overseeing operations on an interim basis, with a permanent appointment yet to be confirmed.

Under the agreement, Sussex has committed to governance reforms, with the ECB granted oversight of board meetings. The club will also face restrictions on men’s player salary expenditure for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons, alongside a requirement to reduce operating losses already budgeted for 2025-26.

On the field, Sussex’s immediate challenge of retaining their place in Division One of the County Championship has been complicated by the 12-point penalty. Similar deductions will apply in the T20 Blast and the One-Day Cup. Further points penalties will be imposed in 2027 and 2028 if the club fails to meet its agreed financial obligations, in addition to a suspended fine of £100,000.

Despite significant off-field challenges, Sussex produced a strong campaign in 2025, finishing fourth in Division One, level on points with Warwickshire and Essex but separated by matches won.

"The county network is the bedrock of cricket in our communities, and its contribution is vital to the future success of cricket in England and Wales. Professional counties are allocated significant funding every year through the County Partnership Agreement, and it is essential that all counties have viable business plans to ensure their financial sustainability. The aim of approving exceptional funding through this agreement is to provide Sussex with the time to correct their underlying issues and for the ECB to ensure that all counties are treated fairly,” said ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"We fully understand how disappointing this news will be for everyone connected with Sussex Cricket. Since taking on the interim role at the end of last season, it has become clear that a combination of unsuccessful growth plans and wider economic pressures have contributed to the position the club finds itself in today. We acknowledge that this has not been good enough. Our responsibility now is to put things right, strengthen how the club is run, and ensure Sussex Cricket moves forward on a more stable and sustainable footing,” said West.