Everton forward Martin Sherif has been charged by the Football Association after allegedly placing dozens of bets on football matches over a 15-month period, the governing body announced.
The 20-year-old attacker is accused of breaching FA Rule E1.2 by placing 61 bets on matches between 20 November 2024 and 12 February 2026. The FA confirmed the charge in a statement, giving Sherif a deadline of Monday, 17 August to respond.
"Martin Sherif of Everton FC has been charged with breaching the FA's betting rules," the FA said. "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."
Sherif, who was born in Liberia, joined Everton's academy in 2019 and progressed through the club's youth ranks before beginning to train with the senior squad in early 2025. His development has largely taken place away from Goodison Park in recent seasons, with the young forward gaining experience through a series of loan spells in the English lower leagues.
Last summer, Sherif moved to League One club Rotherham United on loan, where he found the net twice in ten appearances before injury problems disrupted his progress. He was recalled by Everton in December after struggling with a string of fitness issues that limited his impact at the New York Stadium.
He was subsequently sent out on loan again in February, this time joining fellow League One outfit Port Vale for the remainder of the season. Sherif scored twice in 17 appearances for the Valiants, though the club ultimately could not avoid relegation from the division.
The FA's betting rules strictly prohibit players, club officials and other individuals under the organisation's jurisdiction from betting on any football-related matter, including matches, transfers and other competition outcomes, regardless of their level of involvement in the sport. The rules exist to safeguard the integrity of the game and to prevent any perception that participants could influence results for personal financial gain.
Cases of this nature are handled through an independent disciplinary process, and it remains to be seen how Sherif will respond to the allegations. Should the charges be proven, the FA has a range of sanctions available, which have historically included fines and playing suspensions of varying lengths depending on the number and nature of the breaches involved.
Everton have not yet issued a public statement regarding the charges against their young forward. Sherif's immediate footballing future, including any potential involvement with the first-team squad or further loan opportunities, may now be overshadowed by the ongoing disciplinary matter as the club and player await the FA's response deadline.
The case adds to a growing list of betting-related charges brought against footballers by the FA in recent years, as the organisation continues to scrutinise gambling activity among players at all levels of the professional game in England.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.