Paul Farbrace has announced that he will step down as Sussex’s head coach at the end of the 2026 season, further deepening the crisis that swirls around the club in the lead-up to their County Championship opener against Leicestershire on Friday.

Farbrace, who joined Sussex in 2022, oversaw a sustained period of on-field success that culminated in the club’s promotion as Division Two champions in 2024, as well as qualification for T20 Finals Day that same season.

Off the field, however, the club has been navigating a sustained period of upheaval. In February Sussex was placed into special measures by the ECB, and docked 12 points in the County Championship, after reporting a £1.33 million loss in their accounts for 2024/25. They have entered a three-year financial framework under the governing body’s Exceptional Funding Policy, in return for a structured loan that will be repayable in full by January 31, 2029.

The club’s chief executive, Pete Fitzboydon, resigned last summer for undisclosed reasons, and they have yet to appoint a full-time successor. Now, Farbrace’s impending departure is set to strip the club of another key pillar of its management structure.

“I felt it was important to give the club clarity now as it plans for the future,” Farbrace said. “My focus is entirely on the next six months. We have a fantastic opportunity this season and I will be giving everything, every day, to help this group be as successful as possible. I remain fully committed to leading the team throughout the campaign.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sussex and it has been a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff.

“We’ve made significant progress together and built a squad that I believe is capable of achieving something special. That makes this a difficult decision, but it is one I feel is right all round.”

Farbrace had previously told his players that it was a case of “now or never” for their ambitions to win the Championship, after their fourth-placed finish last year. Sussex are expected to lose several players over the winter amid imminent restrictions on wage spend.

Rod Aldridge, Sussex’s president, said: “While we are naturally disappointed that Paul has decided to step down, we fully respect his decision. He remains fully committed to the season ahead, and we look forward to working together to build on the progress that has been made.”

Mark West, Sussex’s interim chief executive, added: “Paul has been a great support to me since day one and we have always been aligned in how we’ve approached things.

“He has led the team through a period of real progress, both in terms of results and in developing a squad that supporters can be proud of. His professionalism, honesty and commitment to the club have been clear throughout.”