The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a paid-for Facebook advert from Football Index for the use of underage footballers.

The advert was in breach of the CAP Code, which prohibits the use of images of sportspersons under the age of 25.

Football Index’s advert, which was promoted through a gambling app, featured German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, English Premier League club  Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé, who are all under the age of 25.

The advert showed consumers how they can buy and sell shares in particular footballers, which could be traded through Football Index’s app.

Football Index responded, stating the advert had been withdrawn and its staff would receive relevant training regarding their responsibilities under the CAP code, including the use of sportspersons under 25 years of age.

Mike Bohan, Football Index’s Marketing Director, said: “We have reviewed our marketing practices to ensure they are compliant with the advertising regulations and accurately represent Football Index’s socially responsible platform.”