Sussex Chairman Jon Filby Steps Down as Financial Crisis Deepens at County
Sussex Cricket has entered another period of upheaval after chairman Jon Filby resigned from his position, bringing an end to a turbulent chapter marked by mounting financial strain and looming sporting sanctions.
Filby, who had served as chairman since 2022, stepped aside after the club’s prolonged financial difficulties triggered intervention from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Sussex have reported ongoing operational losses, prompting the governing body to impose strict financial oversight measures that will significantly affect the county’s competitiveness over the next few seasons.
Among the penalties confirmed are a player salary cap for the next two years and points deductions across all three domestic competitions in 2026. These sanctions represent a major setback for a club that has historically prided itself on both on-field success and player development.
Pressure Mounts on the Board
Filby’s departure comes against the backdrop of growing unrest among former players, members and supporters. On Friday, a group of high-profile former Sussex figures — including ex-England wicketkeeper Matt Prior and former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed — signed an open letter urging the club’s current board to step down.
The letter reflected deep frustration at how Sussex’s finances have been managed and called for a reset in leadership to restore credibility, stability and long-term sustainability.
Filby had been scheduled to attend a members’ forum at Hove on Monday, alongside acting chief executive Mark West and head coach Paul Farbrace, where difficult questions were expected from supporters.
However, it was confirmed that Filby would no longer attend following his resignation.
Interim Leadership Put in Place
In a statement released on behalf of the club, Mark West confirmed that vice-chairman Martin Richards would assume the role of interim chairman until Sussex’s annual general meeting in March.
Richards will now represent the club at the members’ forum, stepping into Filby’s place at a time when transparency and reassurance are desperately needed.
“Jon has given a significant amount of time and energy to the club during a very challenging period,” said West.
“On behalf of Sussex Cricket, I want to thank him for his service and commitment.”
While expressing gratitude for Filby’s efforts, West also acknowledged the seriousness of the situation facing the county.
ECB Intervention and Sporting Sanctions
Sussex’s financial problems have been building over several seasons, with sustained operating losses eventually forcing the club to seek support from the ECB. That support, however, has come at a price.
The ECB’s tighter controls include:
- A restricted player wage budget for the next two years
- Points deductions in the County Championship, One-Day Cup and T20 Blast for the 2026 season
- Increased oversight of financial planning and governance
Such measures place Sussex at a competitive disadvantage and threaten to derail rebuilding efforts both on and off the field.
West admitted the club’s financial performance had fallen well short of expectations.
“Poor financial results have left us in a position where ECB assistance was necessary, and the consequences of that are now clear,” he said.
Apology to Members and Former Players
Addressing the open letter signed by former players, West struck a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the depth of feeling within the Sussex cricket community.
“We fully understand the emotions behind the letter and the strength of feeling it represents,” he said.
“Many former players, sponsors and members care deeply about Sussex Cricket, and we hear those concerns loud and clear.”
West offered a direct apology on behalf of the club, recognising the disappointment felt by those who have contributed to Sussex’s proud history.
“I can only apologise for the position we find ourselves in,” he added.
A Call for Unity and Stability
Despite the anger and frustration surrounding the situation, West urged supporters, members and former players to allow the club the opportunity to repair the damage.
He stressed that while change is unavoidable, stability will be equally important if Sussex are to recover.
“It will require change, but it also requires togetherness,” he said. “We will be far stronger if we work through this collectively.”
This appeal highlights the difficult balance Sussex now face — addressing governance failures while avoiding further disruption that could destabilise the club even more.
Impact on the Cricketing Future
The sporting penalties imposed by the ECB mean Sussex’s immediate future will be shaped by financial caution rather than ambition. Recruitment will be restricted, player retention could become harder, and academy pathways may come under increased pressure.
For a club that has produced elite talent and enjoyed success across formats, the next few years are likely to be defined by consolidation rather than contention.
Much will depend on decisions taken between now and the March AGM, when members will have the opportunity to question leadership and influence the direction of the club.
A Defining Moment for Sussex Cricket
Filby’s resignation marks a significant moment in Sussex Cricket’s modern history. While his tenure coincided with a difficult financial landscape for county cricket as a whole, the scale of Sussex’s losses and the resulting sanctions underline the severity of the challenge.
The task facing interim chairman Martin Richards, acting CEO Mark West and the wider board is formidable: restore trust, stabilise finances, and protect the club’s long-term future — all while navigating competitive disadvantages imposed by the ECB.
How Sussex respond in the coming months will shape not only their league positions but their identity as a county.
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