Everton player 'guaranteed major problems' after being hit by FA punishment

The FA were right to punish Martin Sherif for a breach of betting rules, and Everton must do their best to support him.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that gambling is always a "problematic" situation for footballers.

The 20-year-old, who has yet to make his first-team debut for the Toffees, has been fined £5,000 after being charged with 61 alleged bets.

Sherif was found guilty by the FA of breaching rules by causing, permitting or enabling bets between 20th November 2024 to 12 February 2026.

It is understood that the player did not place the bets himself, which is why he avoided a sporting sanction and was only handed a financial punishment.

Both Sandro Tonali and Ivan Toney have felt the true force of breaching betting rules, being handed suspensions from football in all capacities.

Martin Sherif mixed up in situation 'guaranteed to cause major issues'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson believes that Sherif's punishment is a fair one, but also suggested that problems could emerge further down the line.

"He's not a senior player so there'll have been good reason why they came up with this fine," he explained.

"And look, it's all problematic for any of the players to be gambling, and as much for integrity as for their own financial well-being going forward.

"Clearly, if they're successful, they're going to have a lot more money to play with, and they don't want to be anywhere near gambling because it's a guaranteed way to cause them some major problems going forward.

"But I wouldn't try and second-guess the decision of the panel. They'll have gone through it in detail, and there's the appropriate mitigation to the fact that he's not placed the bets.

"But obviously, you've got to serious questions about how somebody else is using his account."

Which Everton youngsters could be next to break through?

Finch Farm is home to some very exciting youngsters, and it is important that the club handle their development perfectly on and off the pitch.

David Moyes could soon be calling on the academy for more players after The Friedkin Group failed to invest enough during the summer window.

Braiden Graham, 18, has had a brilliant start to the campaign, with three goals and one assist in four games, adding to his 25 contributions from last term.

Ceiran Loney is also expected to given a chance by Moyes this season, but the Scot is not always eager to bring youth into the set-up.