The Football Association (FA) has formally accused 20-year-old striker Martin Sherif, linked to Everton, of violating the association’s betting rules. According to the FA, the player placed 61 bets on football matches between November 20, 2024, and February 12, 2026, and has until Monday, August 17, to respond to the charge.
The complaint refers to Rule E1.2, which restricts betting by participants in English football. In a statement, the association said that "it is alleged that the player violated the FA’s Rule E1.2 in relation to 61 bets placed on football matches between November 20, 2024, and February 12, 2026." The notification does not constitute a conviction, and the disciplinary process will depend on the player’s response. Sherif has not yet appeared for Everton’s first team; in the 2025/26 season, he was loaned to Rotherham United and Port Vale. Born in Liberia, he represents the Netherlands’ youth teams.
FA regulations prohibit players and other club personnel from betting, directly or indirectly, on football matches or competitions anywhere in the world. The prohibition also covers transfers, team selections, and changes of coaches.
Recent cases
The accusation comes amid other betting cases in English football. In May 2024, Sandro Tonali, now at Tottenham, was suspended for two months after admitting 50 violations. In July 2025, Lucas Paquetá, currently at Flamengo, was cleared of charges related to yellow cards. In the 2026/27 season, the Premier League stopped displaying betting brands on the front of shirts, following an agreement between clubs.
