Middlesex County Cricket Club's home ground is Lord's Cricket Ground. Photo: X | The Cricketer Middlesex County Cricket Club's home ground is Lord's Cricket Ground. Photo: X | The Cricketer

Middlesex County Cricket Club has successfully reclaimed £100,000 in disputed funds previously paid to its former chief executive, Richard Goatley. Howeverwinph, the club has remained silent on the recent decision by the Metropolitan Police, which concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against Goatley. (More Cricket News)

The long-running financial and legal dispute between Middlesex and Goatley dates back to his resignation in 2021, following health concerns after suffering a stroke.

The situation escalated in May 2024 when the club reported him to the authorities, alleging that approximately £70,000 in unauthorised expenses had been transferred into his personal bank account.

While the police ultimately ruled out any criminal wrongdoing, Middlesex has confirmed the recovery of the funds through banking and insurance processes. The amount included £57,000 in disputed cheques and £43,000 in pension-related payments that the club deemed ineligible.

A club spokesperson described the financial recovery as the result of a "lengthy and challenging process" and acknowledged the assistance of banking and insurance institutions in resolving the matter. However, they declined to comment on the police decision, stating that the club would not engage further on the matter.

Goatley, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, welcomed the police findings, asserting that they aligned with his longstanding position of innocence. He also reaffirmed his intention to proceed with a civil claim against Middlesex,th777 slots alleging harassment during the club’s investigation into his financial conduct.

Middlesex’s financial struggles have been well documented, with the club suffering a significant loss of £952,000 in 2021. A series of accounting errors, including incorrect pension contributions amounting to £350,000, further strained their finances.

These issues contributed to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) placing Middlesex under "special measures" in 2023, following financial irregularities that resulted in a £50,000 fine and a suspended points deduction.

While the latest development brings some financial relief to the club, the legal battle between Middlesex and Goatley remains unresolved, leaving questions over the club’s financial management and governance in recent years.

Expectations are high from the Harmanpreet-led side to better its performance at the Paris Games, starting July 26.

As I stand on the threshold of my final chapter in international hockey, my heart swells with gratitude and reflection. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinarywinph, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans. pic.twitter.com/MqxIuTalCY