Captain Xhaka allowed to play for Switzerland again

What the report says

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will be available for Switzerland again next month after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates, according to BBC Sport. The Swiss Football Association said both players can return for November’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland, after being left out of recent squads because of the issue.

Xhaka, who captains Switzerland and is the country’s record appearance holder, missed October international matches after admitting he had obtained a fake certificate in 2022 to travel and compete. Embolo was also removed from the squad in September for the same reason. BBC Sport reports that both players were fined 150,000 Swiss francs and given suspended two-year sanctions, provided there are no further offences.

National team director Pierluigi Tami said the association weighed the circumstances, the completed legal process and the sporting punishments already imposed before deciding on their return. The SFV said the final call on the captaincy still rests with coach Murat Yakin, who is due to name his squad on 5 November.

The decision matters because Switzerland lead Group E going into their final two Nations League games on 13 and 16 November, so the pair’s return could strengthen the team’s chances as the competition reaches its closing stage.