Swiss FA Restores Xhaka and Embolo After Sanctions Over Fake Certificates

The Swiss Football Association has cleared captain Granit Xhaka and forward Breel Embolo for November selection, ending the exclusions imposed after both players acknowledged using forged COVID-19 documentation during the pandemic. The governing body said on Tuesday that their legal cases are closed and the sporting penalty has been served.

Xhaka, 34, who plays for Sunderland and holds 152 caps for Switzerland, admitted obtaining a fake certificate to avoid mandatory vaccination. Embolo, 29, of Atlanta United, said a penal order against him also concerned false pandemic paperwork. Both received suspended fines of 150,000 Swiss francs (about 181,225 US dollars) with two years probation.

The two missed the first four matches of this Nations League campaign, played in September and October. The investigation into Xhaka opened in late September through the Lucerne public prosecutor's office; he stepped down from the squad at that point, and Embolo withdrew days later. Switzerland has won all four of those matches and leads Group B1.

Pierluigi Tami, the national team director, said a November return is a responsible step and the correct course for the squad. Coach Murat Yakin, his staff and the players' council unanimously agreed to keep Xhaka as captain. Yakin said he is pleased to make unrestricted selections for the November fixtures.

The Swiss FA will name the squad for the final two group matches on November 5. Switzerland visits second-placed Slovenia on November 13 and hosts Scotland in St Gallen on November 16. The federation has also set new guidelines for future cases involving criminal law.