The Professional Footballers' Association has accepted Sheffield United's decision to retract their offer to allow Ched Evans to train with the team, but still hope that the striker will return to football with a new club.
Last week, the League One club decided to accept the PFA's request to allow the convicted rapist to train using the club's facilities.
Yet the announcement provoked considerable public outcry, with several people standing down as club patrons, while Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill said she would want the stand named after her at Bramall Lane to be removed if Evans were to be re-signed by United.
The club withdrew the offer on Thursday, and the PFA released a statement on their official website on Friday which read: "We note Sheffield United's decision to retract the offer they made to Ched Evans for him to return to training with the club.
"It is not surprising given the subsequent delay in his return as the matter was debated and understandably strong opinions were aired. We fully understand and respect the opposing views to Ched's return to Sheffield United and clearly part of the issue related to him returning to the club he was previously with at the time of his imprisonment.
"With that in mind, it may ultimately be of benefit to both parties to move on and for Ched to look for a fresh start at a different club. We maintain our general position that the courts determine punishments and a return to society and a contribution to the community through employment is a key element of rehabilitation.
"We do not agree that society should impose different rules for footballers which go beyond the position of the law. In that regard, it is hoped that Ched will be given an opportunity at another club to return to the job he is trained to do."
The former Wales international was released from a prison in northern England last month after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel.