A convicted rapist needs to “rethink” his strategy as he attempts to resume his professional football career, according to the chief of player welfare in the game in Britain.
Ched Evans had been on the cusp of a move to Oldham Athletic, which plays in English football’s third tier, but the club pulled out of the deal because of “unbearable pressure” on its staff.
Linked with a return to former club Sheffield United last year, Evans remains without a club after being released from prison in October having served half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old girl.
Both Oldham and Sheffield United were dissuaded from signing Evans due to pressure from sponsors as well as criticism from leading politicians and also the British public, with thousands signing petitions against his proposed moves.
Asked if Evans looked likely to sign for another British side, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association Gordon Taylor told the BBC: “At this moment in time, you would have to say you’d be very doubtful of that.
“It may well be he would have to go abroad but at the moment because he’s out on license he can’t go abroad so we need a serious rethink now.”
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In the first statement from the FA amid the Evans furore, Dyke said in a statement: “Rape and sexual violence are abhorrent and unacceptable. This cannot be overstated.
“We have reviewed the Ched Evans case in some detail at the FA and we have examined both the legal requirements and our rules and regulations, and there is no basis for us to intervene directly in this particular case.
“That said, it is important that we continue to look at the issue of behaviour and attitudes within football, and recognize the unique privileges and responsibilities that come with being a participating member of the national game.
“I would encourage the game to consider and discuss this matter and the prospect for future guidelines or codes of conduct.
“The FA will certainly be considering it in line with our own ongoing review of what constitutes public or private communications and behavior.”
