(CNN)An English soccer club has abandoned an attempt to sign a convicted rapist after death threats were made to its staff amid an atmosphere of "unbearable pressure." After days of speculation, Oldham Athletic confirmed Thursday it wouldn't be handing a deal to Ched Evans, who was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old girl. The third-tier outfit said "vile and abusive threats" as well as "significant financial pressure" placed on the club from sponsors had prompted it to backtrack on the deal. Oldham's owner, Simon Corney, had previously said there was 80% chance it would hire Evans as it appeared undeterred by condemnation from fans, politicians and the police.
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Oldham Athletic confirms deal to sign Ched Evans is off
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Evans released from prison in October after serving rape sentence
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Club say death threats have been made to staff and sponsors
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Player maintains his innocence and wants to clear his name
@placeholder's climbdown represents the latest setback for Evans, who has been trying to resurrect his career since leaving jail in October.