A "substantive" investigation into Ched Evans' rape conviction is expected to take place "within the next few weeks", the Criminal Cases Review Commission has said.
The disgraced footballer, who continues to protest his innocence, has had his case prioritised by the body, which examines possible miscarriages of justice.
If the review goes in Evans' favour, his conviction could potentially be overturned, as the CCRC has the authority to direct cases to the Court of Appeal.
A CCRC spokesman told Sky News: "In line with our published policy on prioritisation, and in relation to the facts of the case and the issues raised in Mr Evans' application to us ... we now expect our substantive investigation to begin within the next few weeks."
"The decision to prioritise the case simply brings forward the starting point of the investigations to decide whether or not there may be grounds for us to refer the case to the court of appeal.
"It does not in any way represent a judgment by the commission as to the merits of the case or its chances of being referred."
Evans was released from jail on Friday after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a woman.
In an interview with the Sunday Mirror shortly before he was released, he said he was "ashamed" of his actions but insisted he is innocent of rape.
The 25-year-old striker added that cheating on his girlfriend, Natasha Massey, was "unforgivable".
"It was something that should never have happened," he said.
"I cheated on my girlfriend and had sex with this girl - but it was definitely consensual."
A statement posted on Evans' website from his family and girlfriend said he would "continue the fight to clear his name".
It added: "Chedwyn Evans maintains his absolute innocence and his family, friends and many who know the true facts of the case believe that his conviction was a gross miscarriage of justice."
Katie Russell, of charity Rape Crisis, told the Sunday Mirror the player's words were insulting to his victim.
"His protestations of innocence and sympathy only for his girlfriend are insulting, harmful and hurtful - not only to his victim, but also to the countless other victims of sexual violence out there," she said.
"He has never taken a moment's responsibility for his crime nor shown any regard for the terrible impact it has had on her."
The former Sheffield United player's release has divided opinion over whether he should be allowed to return to football.
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Gallery: Sports Stars Whose Careers Survived Criminal Convictions
Former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams was jailed for four months in 1990 for drink-driving. After admitting to an alcohol problem he set up the Sporting Chance addiction clinic
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Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson served three years in prison after being convicted of rape in 1991. He returned to professional boxing after his release
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In 1998 ex-footballer Vinnie Jones was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage against a neighbour. He was also found guilty of an air rage incident in 2003
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American figure skating champion Tonya Harding received three years' probation for her part in an attack on Olympic rival Nancy Kerrigan in 1994. Others involved in the plot were jailed
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Boxer Adonis Stevenson served four years in prison for managing prostitutes, assaults and making threats before turning pro in 2006. He went on to become WBC world light-heavyweight champion
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In 2007 Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick served 21 months in prison for his involvement in illegal dog fighting. On his release he joined the Philadelphia Eagles and now plays for the New York Jets
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Former Chicago Bulls basketball star Dennis Rodman has made as many headlines off the court as on. In 2008 he was sentenced to community service, counselling and probation for domestic violence
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Scotland U21 international footballer Craig Thomson pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent behaviour with underage girls in 2011. He remains on the sex offenders register and now plays non-league football
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American basketball star Lamar Odom, married to Khloe Kardashian, received a three-year suspended sentence for drink-driving in 2013. His most recent team was the New York Knicks, but they released him in July
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Former Watford, Wigan and Middlesbrough footballer Marlon King, who has previously served time for drink-driving and sexual assault is currently serving 18 months for dangerous driving
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Forest Green Rovers striker Lee Hughes served three years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving and played for Oldham and Notts County after his release
Many Blades fans have called for Evans to be rehabilitated but more than 151,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Bramall Lane club to block his return.
Sheffield United Community Foundation patron Charlie Webster said if Evans re-signed for the club she would be "heartbroken" and "disappointed".
She told Sky News: "It would send out the wrong message to the next generation to watch Ched Evans score a goal and cheer him on as a hero."
Ms Webster also said it would "wrong" for her to stay in her role with the foundation if the club took him back.
On Saturday, Sheffield United dismissed reports that the club has offered a new contract to convicted rapist Ched Evans as "false and damaging".
The club's co-chairmen, Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps, said they had not yet made a decision about whether to re-employ him.
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