Player at Premier League club charged with breaching FA betting rules as statement released

Martin Sherif has been charged by The Football Association (FA) for a breach of betting rules.

The forward has been with Everton since 2019 when he joined their academy from Dutch side Almere City.

Getty

Sherif has not made a competitive senior appearance for the Toffees and spent last season on loan at Rotherham United and Port Vale.

In a statement, the FA said: “Martin Sherif of Everton FC has been charged with breaching The FA’s betting rules.

“It’s alleged that the player breached FA Rule E1.2 in respect of 61 bets placed on football matches between 20 November 2024 and 12 February 2026.

“Martin Sherif has until Monday 17 August to provide a response.”

It remains unclear as to which matches Sherif placed bets on during the period of time mentioned in the statement.

FA rules state that there is a worldwide ban on betting on football for ‘participants of clubs’.

This covers the Premier League, EFL (Championship, League One and League Two), WSL (Women’s Super League), WSL 2, and the National League (North and South).

Isthmian League, Northern Premier League and Southern League players are also prohibited.

Betting on other football-related matters, such as transfers, manager moves or team selections, are also banned.

Furthermore, passing on inside information to somebody that uses it for the purpose of betting are prohibited too.

Getty

Sherif, who was born in Liberia but represents the Netherlands at youth level, featured for Everton’s U18s aged just 15.

He netted six goals in 20 league outings for them in the 2021/22 season, and his tally increased to 14 in the following campaign.

Although he hasn’t played at senior level, the 20-year-old has been in nine matchday squads for Everton.

Sherif’s stints at Rotherham and Port Vale saw him play 31 matches in all competitions during the 2025/26 season, and he scored five goals.