Switzerland clears Xhaka, Embolo for national team return

VIA PUNCH NEWSPAPERS ON X:

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

The Swiss Football Association confirmed the pair could feature in manager Murat Yakin’s squad for November’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland. Both players were fined 150,000 Swiss francs each, suspended for two years, after admitting to using fake certificates to travel and compete in 2022.

National team director Pierluigi Tami said the decision considered “the specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented.” Xhaka retains the captaincy for now, though Yakin will confirm his final squad on November 5.