Yorkshire agree pay-off for former coach Andrew Gale

Yorkshire have finally signed off on a pay-off for Andrew Gale, a week after dramatically threatening to renege on an agreement to do so.

The crisis county had refused to rubber-stamp a legally-binding deal to compensate the last of those suing them over the sacking of their entire coaching staff in the wake of the racism scandal to engulf them.

They did so despite having publicly announced they had struck deals with ousted head coach Gale and bowling coach Richard Pyrah.

Their refusal to sign Gale’s pay-off was triggered by it being made public that he would receive a six-figure sum, information Telegraph Sport has been told he strenuously denied having leaked.

It remains unclear whether the deal confirmed on Friday was on the same terms and whether it included Gale signing a non-disclosure agreement preventing him from telling his side of the story.

A statement released to Telegraph Sport read: “On the 3rd December 2021 The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Limited (“the club”) took the decision to dismiss its coaching and medical staff. The club has acknowledged that its dismissals of that group of employees was procedurally unfair.

“After meaningful dialogue between the club and the legal advisers acting on behalf of Andrew Gale, the parties can confirm that acceptable terms of settlement have been finalised.

“The financial terms of the settlements are confidential and no further public statement will be made about the terms.

“Mr Gale wishes to thank his family, friends and legal team for their support.”

Yorkshire’s reaction to it being made public Gale would receive a six-figure pay-off did not affect their signing of Pyrah’s settlement as part of a series of such deals that may end up costing the club almost £2 million.

Signing-off on Gale’s compensation agreement sees them avoid a damaging public hearing into their racism scandal and the decision by chairman Lord Patel to sack their entire coaching staff.