Xhaka and Embolo Cleared to Play for Switzerland After Fake COVID-19 Certificate Investigation
Both players were previously suspended following the discovery of fraudulent vaccination documents.
Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are eligible to return to the Swiss national football team next month, following an investigation into their use of fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced Tuesday that the players will be available for selection for upcoming matches.
Xhaka, the Swiss captain, agreed to miss October's Nations League fixtures after admitting to obtaining a forged certificate to travel abroad during his time with Arsenal in 2022. Embolo was also sidelined by the national team for the same reason in September.
Both players received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000), provided they commit no further offenses within a two-year period. The SFV stated that the decision to allow their return was based on various factors, including the specific circumstances of each case, the conclusion of legal proceedings, and the sporting sanctions already implemented.
"We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do," said Switzerland director Pierluigi Tami. While Xhaka has not been stripped of the captaincy, head coach Murat Yakin retains the authority to make that decision. Xhaka, who holds the record for most caps for Switzerland with 152, has referred to his actions as a "mistake."
Yakin is expected to announce his squad for the November international break on November 5.