After pleading guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one of grooming, Sunderland have decided to terminate Adam Johnson's contract with immediate effect.
In a short statement released by the club - only to confirm the news - they said there would be no further comment made on the matter.
Proceedings to begin on Friday
Johnson changed his original plea of innocence, but denied two further charges of sexual activity with a girl aged under 16 (who is not named due to legal reasons).
The midfielder was arrested in March of 2015, at his home in Castle Eden, following a month of investigations into the matter by Durham Constabulary.
He was then banned by the club as a result, but has been reinstated and played regularly since.
The 28-year-old will face trial on Friday at Bradford Crown Court, and it is expected to last around 10 days.
A goal on his final appearance
Johnson's final appearance for the Black Cats came on Saturday, as he helped the side claim a 2-2 draw with Liverpool after coming off the bench.
He scored a free-kick before Jermain Defoe scored a late equaliser, keeping them in the survival hunt.
The club were on a high coming into this weekend's game against Manchester United, but this story will be the main talking point ahead of the clash.
This season, Johnson has appeared in 19 of Sunderland's Premier League games, scoring twice and setting up a further five goals.
The end for Johnson?
In three-and-a-half years at the Stadium of Light, Johnson has made over 140 appearances and been a regular part of the first-team squad.
He scored 22 times and added 26 assists during his time there, helping them to battle off the threat of relegation. However, this could end his career.
Johnson also played for Manchester City and Middlesbrough during his career.