The chances of convicted rapist Ched Evans playing professional football abroad appear to have been dashed by UK prison bosses.
Malta side Hibernians FC has offered the footballer, who has been shunned by a number of English sides, a contract to play for the remainder of the season.
But a day after the offer came to light Britain's Ministry of Justice (MoJ) stepped in, saying that as a convicted sex offender on licence Evans was effectively barred from working abroad.
It is a further setback to the striker who has been seeking to return to football following his release from jail in October after serving two-and-half of a five-year sentence.
Evans had been found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011. He claimed she had agreed to have sex.
An MoJ spokesman said: "We are determined to have one of the toughest regimes in the world for managing sex offenders, to stop them re-offending and to protect victims.
"Probation officers must give permission for sex offenders on licence to take up new jobs and this includes ensuring they hold regular face to face meetings - this effectively rules out working abroad.
"The offenders will also be subject to strict conditions such as exclusion zones, non-contact orders and having to attend sex offender treatment programmes."
Controversy
Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had intervened in the controversy, urging caution over Hibernians FC signing the former Sheffield United player and Welsh international.
Mr Muscat said footballers were role models, and warned how the decision would reflect both on the club, who are top of the country's domestic league, and the country.
The 26-year-old had an offer to train with League One Sheffield United withdrawn in November after his release from prison following strong opposition.
Other English clubs including Tranmere and Oldham also rejected the chance to sign him.
However, Malta's Justice Minister, Owen Bonnici, argued he should be given "a second chance".
He tweeted:
Ched Evans should be given a second chance. If we believe in rehabilitation of ex-prisoners we should practice what we preach.
— Owen Bonnici (@OwenBonnici) January 3, 2015
Club vice-president Stephen Vaughan, the controversial former Chester City owner, said: "The bottom line is Ched Evans has been punished for previous misdemeanours.
"We are looking for a centre-forward that can find the back of the net, and we believe Ched Evans fits the bill."
Mr Vaughan, who was disqualified from acting as a company director for 11 years in 2009 for his involvement in an alleged £500,000 VAT fraud and was jailed in 2011 for attacking a police officer, said he was "very confident" of doing a deal to sign Evans.
"If someone offers you a cheap Ferrari, you're going to drive it," Mr Vaughan said.
Evans is keen to resume his playing career after being released from prison in October.
He served two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence after being found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011. He claimed she had agreed to have sex.
He was initially given permission by Sheffield United to train with them at the request of players' union, the Professional Footballers Association.
But following a backlash from supporters, sponsors and patrons, including Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill, the club changed their mind.
Ennis-Hill, who comes from Sheffield and has a stand named after her, said: "I believe being a role model to young people is a huge honour and those in positions of influence should respect the role they play in young people's lives."
"If Evans was to be re-signed by the club it would completely contradict these beliefs."
Originally published at 14.02
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