Everton’s Martin Sherif charged with betting breaches
The Football Association has charged Everton forward Martin Sherif with 61 breaches of its betting regulations, alleging the 20-year-old placed wagers on football matches across a 15-month window stretching from 20 November 2024 to 12 February 2026, reports BritPanorama.
The governing body confirmed the charge on Wednesday, stating: “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.”
Sherif has been given until Monday, 17 August, to submit his formal response to the allegations. He faces a potential ban or fine if found guilty.
Born in Liberia, Sherif moved to Everton’s youth set-up in 2019 after leaving Dutch club Almere City. He represents the Netherlands at youth international level and made his mark early, turning out for the under-18s when he was just 15.
His prolific form at academy level — six goals in 20 league matches during the 2021/22 season, rising to 14 the following campaign — earned him recognition from the senior coaching staff. He began training with David Moyes’ first team in early 2025 and has been named in nine matchday squads, but is still awaiting his competitive senior debut.
Sherif spent the first half of last season on loan at Rotherham United in League One, scoring twice in 10 outings before being recalled due to injuries. A subsequent move to Port Vale followed, where he managed two goals in 17 league appearances, though his spell ended in disappointment as Vale were relegated to League Two.
FA regulations impose a blanket worldwide ban on football betting for all registered players, covering wagers on matches, transfers, managerial appointments, and team selections. Passing inside information to others for betting purposes is likewise prohibited. Sherif is the latest footballer to face such charges, following former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who received an eight-month suspension in 2023 after being found guilty of 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules.
As it stands, David Moyes’ Everton has not issued any public comment on the matter. Details about which specific matches were involved in the alleged bets remain unclear. Sherif’s case highlights ongoing scrutiny around betting within football, a topic that continues to provoke vigorous debate across the sport.
