Ferreira to Celtic transfer narrowly swerves FIFA ban roadblock as Gremio star avoids hardline betting punishment

Celtic "target" Ferreira had to apologise after facing a potential three-year worldwide football ban from FIFA when he posted a screenshot of his own 100 dollar bet on Gremio earlier this year.

The Scottish Premiership champions have been linked with a move for the Brazilian 25-year-old Gremio forward, who has spent his whole career at the Porto Alegre club. Ferreira has just returned to action this month after suffering two significant injuries in the past year that kept him out for four months with an ankle injury until January and then a further four months after a thigh muscle tear from March.

However, he reportedly has still caught the eye of the Celtic scouts and could make a move to Brendan Rodgers’ side. But during his time out of the game, he narrowly escaped a mandatory three-year FIFA ban from football after a bizarre incident before Gremio's match against Caxias, in the final of the Campeonato Gaucho – the state championship title of Rio Grande do Sul. He posted a screenshot on social media of a 100 dollar bet he placed on his own team, although he was injured at the time.

It was immediately picked up by the Brazilian media, with FIFA rules stating any player betting on a football match would be subject to a fine of 'at least 100,000 Swiss francs and a ban from football for up to three years for players, referees and officials.' Ferreira had to issue a statement stating he didn't personally place the bet and that it was as part of a promotion with a betting company.

He said: "The screenshot was part of a promotional post by the club sponsors who are a betting company. I want to apologise for giving the impression I placed the bet myself."

And after the Brazilian FA ordered an investigation, his club Gremio were also forced to say sorry on his behalf. They stated: "Gremio have strong ethical and moral values and are completely transparent in this matter.

"We have taken all necessary measures involving Ferreira after his post on social media. Gremio have now reminded all the staff about the prohibition of sports betting and possible punishments, such as those regulated by FIFA."