Share

Sponsor quits ahead of Evans signing

London - English second-tier club Oldham is prepared to face a growing backlash by going ahead with plans to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

While Oldham said it was conducting due diligence into hiring Evans, a sponsor severed ties with the northern club citing the "imminent signing."

Evans, a former Sheffield United and Manchester City striker, was released from jail in October after serving time for raping a 19-year-old woman in his hotel room in 2011.

A plan to train with United fell through recently after protests from sponsors and celebrity fans.

"There are ongoing negotiations with regard to signing Ched Evans," Oldham director Barry Owen said Wednesday at the club's Boundary Park stadium. "Unfortunately, quite a lot of due diligence still needs to be completed. We are still in talks with the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) and other agencies ... and I don't anticipate that it is going to be done over the next few days."

Oldham owner Simon Corney was quoted as saying that there was an "80 percent chance" of Evans joining.

"There might be a cost implication, but you have to stick to your principles," Corney told the website of the Jewish Chronicle newspaper.

"We weren't surprised by the backlash."

When Oldham's interest in the 26-year-old Evans emerged earlier this week, the club became the target of opposition from politicians and fans but has resisted external pressure to continue talks.

Sponsor Verlin Rainwater Solutions, which makes gutters, announced that it did not want to be associated with a team featuring Evans in the squad.

"After receiving the news regarding the imminent signing of Ched Evans it is with great regret that Verlin Rainwater Solutions will no longer be associated with Oldham Athletic," company director Craig Verling said.

"We feel that Mr. Evans should be able to lead a life without further punishment after serving his sentence, although our feelings remain the same that this should not be within the public domain where his previous behavior may influence the next generation."

Another Oldham sponsor, stationery supplies firm ZenOffice, warned it would end its deal if Evans joined.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE