Food chain Nando's have become the latest company to end their sponsorship with Oldham Athletic as they close in on a deal to sign Ched Evans.
The former Sheffield United striker was convicted of rape in April 2012 and served half of a five-year sentence before being released back in October.
The Welshman has been without a club after the Blades distanced themselves from re-signing him upon his release - with Oldham the latest club to hold discussions with Evans over a move.
On Wednesday, Verlin Rainwater and ZenOffice announced they were ending their association with the Latics over the move and uber-popular chicken proprietors Nando's are latest to distance themselves from the saga.
The company tweeted: "RE Oldham signing: we'd have liked to continue our involvement with fan prizes at matches but feel we can no longer continue our association."
And describing the signing as "imminent" stand sponsor at Boundary Park, Verlin Rainwater Solutions have also withdrawn their support from the club.
"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," said company director Craig Verling.
"We would like to take this opportunity to make clear that 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 behaviour may influence the next generation.
"We sincerely wish the club a very successful future and have no regrets about being associated with Oldham Athletic over the past few seasons, but feel our continued support would be sending out the wrong message."
And following Verlin's announcement a second sponsor, ZenOffice, have also terminated their association with the Latics. "ZenOffice have always believed that in order to be a successful business we need to give something back to the community," a statement read. "We have strong background in supporting local, community, family based initiatives in the North West.
"ZenOffice have been sponsors of Oldham Athletic Football Club for five years. This partnership has been based on mutual respect as OAFC did share the same values as ZenOffice, based on family and community. ZenOffice do not agree that the current path OAFC are embarking on espouses these values. Therefore it is with much regret, that ZenOffice would like to confirm that we will end our association with Oldham Athletic Football Club if the move goes ahead to sign Ched Evans."
Meanwhile, Labour's Shadow Sports Minister Clive Efford has written to the Football Association calling for the governing body to intervene.
“Ched Evans has been convicted of a serious offence and I would urge any football club to listen to the widespread public opposition to him returning to football," said Mr Efford.
“The decision on whether players should return to football after committing serious offences is not a matter solely for individual clubs and I have asked the FA to refuse his registration when Oldham Athletic approach them."
More than 20,000 people signed a petition against the Latics signing Evans earlier this week, but owner Simon Corney believes he should be allowed to resume employment in football, with the move set to be announced on Thursday.
Speaking to the Jewish Chronicle, he said: “We believe he has served his time. There is an 80 per cent chance of us signing him.
"It won’t be done today. It’s not straightforward and there are some legal issues. There might be a cost implication, but you have to stick to your principles. We weren’t surprised by the backlash."
