Xhaka, Embolo return to Swiss squad after fake COVID docs affair

What the report says

Switzerland have restored Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo to national-team availability after both were sanctioned over forged COVID-19 certificates used during the pandemic, the Swiss Football Association said. The decision means the captain and striker can be considered for next month’s Nations League fixtures after missing the first four games of the campaign.

According to the association, the cases were reviewed after the legal process was completed and after the players had already faced sporting consequences. Xhaka, who plays for Sunderland, admitted obtaining a fake vaccine certificate, while Atlanta United forward Embolo acknowledged that a penal order against him related to fake COVID documents. Both were given suspended fines of 150,000 Swiss francs, with a two-year probation period.

National team director Pierluigi Tami said the return was both responsible and the right course of action. Coach Murat Yakin and the players’ council also agreed that Xhaka would keep the captaincy. The Swiss FA said Yakin will name his squad for the final two group matches on November 5.

Switzerland are currently top of Nations League Group B1 with four straight wins. They travel to Slovenia on November 13 and host Scotland in St Gallen three days later. The case has also prompted the federation to set out new guidelines for future matters involving criminal law.