Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will both be available for Switzerland again next month, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on Tuesday, after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates the pair had obtained.
Switzerland captain Xhaka, the national team’s record appearance holder with 152 caps, missed Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia during the October international break. He had admitted to acquiring a fake certificate that allowed him to travel and compete in 2022.
Striker Embolo, 29, was also dropped from the Switzerland squad in September for the same reason.
Return Confirmed for November
The SFV said that 34-year-old Sunderland midfielder Xhaka and Embolo can both be included by manager Murat Yakin for November’s fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.
National team director Pierluigi Tami explained the reasoning behind the decision. “We considered this from various perspectives,” he said. “The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision.”
Tami added: “We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do.”
Penalties and Captaincy
Both players were fined 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) and suspended for two years, provided they commit no further offences.
Xhaka took responsibility for his actions and has not been stripped of the captaincy. However, the SFV stated that the final decision on the captaincy rests with Yakin, who will announce his squad on 5 November.
Group E Showdown Ahead
Switzerland top Group E heading into their final two Nations League fixtures, against Slovenia on 13 November and Scotland on 16 November.