Yorkshire County Cricket Club CEO resigns after racism row
The CEO of Yorkshire County Cricket Club Mark Arthur has become the latest figure to resign over a racism scandal at the club after a report found former player Azeem Rafiq was a victim of "racial harassment and bullying."
The club says Mr Arthur quit with immediate effect.
He has faced intense pressure over recent days as the fallout from Rafiq’s claims of institutional racism has escalated.
Arthur's resignation follows that of several board members, including the former Chair Roger Hutton, over the handling of the allegations.
A number of major sponsors also withdrew support.
New Chairman Professor Lord Patel said:
"Today (11 November) the Board at Yorkshire County Cricket Club has accepted the resignation of Mark Arthur as CEO. We thank him for his tenure.
"This is an important moment for the Club which is ready to move forward with new leadership, which will be vital in driving the change we urgently need.
"We know there is still much work to be done and more difficult decisions to be made. We need to rebuild the trust of the fans, the cricketing world and the public."
Mark Arthur said: “I’ve had eight fantastic years at The Yorkshire County Cricket Club, working alongside an outstanding group of people, and together achieving many highlights, including: - The financing and construction of the new South Stand - A new contract giving YCCC a 50% share of catering at Headingley Stadium - The acquisition of the Carnegie Pavilion - The amazing progress of the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation - The six year south Asian engagement programme - Introduction of professional women’s cricket to Headingley - Introduction of first class cricket to York - Redevelopment of Bradford Park Avenue for the benefit of the community - A £7m reduction in the Club’s long term debt - Back to back county championship wins
I would like to thank the Members for their support over this period and wish the Club all the very best in the years to come”.
The resignation comes after England captain and Yorkshire player Joe Root spoke out on the allegations facing his club.
In a statement he said the scandal had "fractured our game and torn lives apart."
Mark Arthur is one of six individuals called to give evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee on Tuesday, a session covered by parliamentary privilege that will begin with Rafiq’s testimony.