Oldham Athletic's deal to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans is off after board members and their families were threatened, a club director has said.
The football club had come under increasing pressure to turn its back on Evans with tens of thousands of people signing an online petition, local police and politicians voicing their concerns and the club's main sponsor ZenOffice threatening to pull out if they signed him.
"The board of directors has been keen to pursue this deal despite the criticism so this has come as a test of their resolve", Sky's sports correspondent Paul Kelso said.
"Evans may have to go further down the football pyramid to get back into the game."
After the deal fell apart, the former Wales international issued an apology "for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned".
However, he maintained he had consensual sex with the 19-year-old in a hotel room in 2011.
"Finally, it has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine," he added.
"I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so."
The victim has reportedly changed her identity and moved house a number of times after abuse on social media.
Oldham's joint owner Simon Corney had said on Wednesday that there was an "80%" chance of the 26-year-old being signed after talks over several days.
But the deal collapsed amid reports that at least one staff member was told a named relative would be raped if the deal was not stopped.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP), however, said the force was not aware of any threats.
Evans has been unable to find a team since being released from prison in October having served half of a five-year sentence.
The Professional Footballers' Association denied it was "driving any deal".
"We fully recognise that this is a delicate and emotive case and entirely respect that there are opposing views," it said in a statement.
He had trained with his previous employers Sheffield United after leaving jail but any hopes of him rejoining them were dashed by fierce opposition from influential figures including Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill.
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