Xhaka, Embolo cleared for Switzerland return after COVID scandal

Switzerland captain, Granit Xhaka, and striker Breel Embolo will be eligible for national team selection next month after an investigation into their use of forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates.

The Swiss Football Association confirmed on Tuesday on its website that the pair could be included in manager Murat Yakin’s squad for November’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.

Xhaka, 34, missed Switzerland’s October international break matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia after admitting to obtaining a fake certificate that allowed him to travel and compete in 2022.

Embolo, 29, was also dropped from the national team squad in September over the issue.

Switzerland national team director Pierluigi Tami said the decision followed consideration of the circumstances surrounding both cases, the conclusion of legal proceedings and the sporting consequences already imposed.

“We considered this from various perspectives. The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision,” Tami said.

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He added, “We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do.”

Both players were fined 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to about £136,000, with the fines suspended for two years provided they commit no further offences.

Xhaka, Sunderland’s midfielder and Switzerland’s record appearance holder with 152 caps, has not been stripped of the captaincy.

However, the association said the final decision on the captaincy rests with Yakin, who is scheduled to announce his squad on November 5.

Switzerland lead Group E ahead of their final two Nations League matches against Slovenia on November 13 and Scotland on November 16.

Tosin Oyediran

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.