Hibs president Anthony Bezzina said this afternoon that the the club had always greatly valued the social aspect and impact of every decision taken, whether it was about the engagement of football players or the daily running of the club.
He was commenting on reports first issued in the British media last Saturday that the Maltese league leaders were showing an interest in signing convicted rapist Ched Evans. The process appears to have been scuppered when the British justice ministry said that in terms of the Welsh player's release from prison, he may not work abroad.
Mr Bezzina in an explanation said that what had happened was that one of the club’s sponsors, VaughanBoxing.TV, approached Hibernians FC’s team manager Jeffrey Farrugia to determine whether Hibernians ould be interested in engaging Mr. Ched Evans, if such possibility arose.
He said that Hibernians wished to declare that they have no intention of engaging Mr Ched Evans.
"Under my presidency for the past 36 years, our club has always greatly valued the social aspect and impact on every decision taken, being the engagement of football players and the daily running of the club. The members and supporters of Hibernians Football Club and the general public can be assured that consideration of the social aspect and impact on decisions are of the highest values and shall always continue to be paramount and of utmost priority to our Club. No decisions taken by our Club shall be subjected to financial considerations or to the achievement of honours," Mr Bezzina said.
The Hibs plans raised a storm of controversy over the weekend. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in a tweet cautioned that footballers were role models and the Hibs decision would define them, and, to an extent, Malta. But Justice Minister Owen Bonnici had however said that everyone deserved a second chance.
Oldham Athletic have since shown an interest in engaging Evans, but they are holding back on a decision after a storm of protests.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, through his spokesman, also said today that he expects any football club considering hiring convicted rapist Ched Evans to "weigh their decisions very carefully".
Oldham Athletic club's chief executive Neil Joy said there would be no announcement for the time being, but did not rule out taking the former Sheffield United star on to Oldham's books.
Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd urged the side not to sign Evans, saying he had shown a "lack of remorse" and should not be presenting himself as a role model to young people.
Asked at a regular Westminster news briefing whether Mr Cameron thought Evans should be given a new footballing contract, the British Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: "His view hasn't changed (from) ... the time when there were reports around Sheffield United.
"Ultimately, it is for employers to take decisions, but the Prime Minister does think that footballers are role models and he is sure that any potential would-be clubs and employers will weigh their decisions very carefully."
Evans, who previously played for Manchester City, was jailed in April 2012 for raping a woman in Rhyl, North Wales. He was released from prison in October after serving half of the five-year sentence and continues to protest his innocence.
Following his release from prison, he was offered the use of Sheffield United's training facilities, but the club decided not to re-sign him following criticism from supporters and club patrons.
Speaking at Oldham's Boundary Park ground, Mr Joy said: "Oldham Athletic is not at this stage making any official announcement with regard to the speculation concerning Ched Evans.
"Whilst acknowledging the considerable media attention, we continue to have conversations with representative bodies such as the PFA and will conduct due diligence with regard to any decision we make on this matter."
The controversy will be discussed on TimesTalk on TVM tonight at 6.45p.m.