Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo have been cleared for national team selection ahead of November’s UEFA Nations League fixtures after completing legal proceedings linked to forged COVID-19 certificates.
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced the decision on Tuesday, October 27, following a review of the circumstances surrounding the cases and the sporting consequences already imposed on the players.
The pair will be eligible for selection for Switzerland’s final two Nations League matches against Slovenia on November 13 and Scotland on November 16. Head coach Murat Yakin is scheduled to announce his squad on November 5.
Xhaka, 34, missed Switzerland’s recent international fixtures after admitting that he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The Sunderland midfielder, who holds Switzerland’s national appearance record with 152 caps, acknowledged his wrongdoing and accepted responsibility for his actions.
Embolo, 29, was also left out of the national team squad in September after a separate case involving forged COVID-19 certificates came to light.
The association said it had examined both cases and concluded that the players could responsibly return after the conclusion of their legal proceedings and the sporting consequences they had already faced.
National team director Pierluigi Tami said the decision followed consideration of the circumstances surrounding each case.
“We considered this from various perspectives. The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision,” Tami said.
He added that the association considered a November return responsible and appropriate.
The decision follows a period of uncertainty for both players, who missed Switzerland’s four September and October international matches. The SFV said their absence had formed part of the sporting consequences considered in its review.
Xhaka will retain the Switzerland captaincy. The association said Yakin, his technical staff and the players’ council had unanimously agreed that the midfielder should continue in the role.
The decision removes uncertainty over Xhaka’s leadership position as Switzerland prepare for the final stage of their Nations League campaign.
Yakin welcomed the opportunity to consider both players for the November squad, saying he would once again be able to make his selections without restrictions. The coach will make the final squad announcement on November 5.
Switzerland enter the closing fixtures after winning their first four matches in the competition. They will travel to Maribor to face Slovenia on November 13 before hosting Scotland in St Gallen three days later.
The return of Xhaka and Embolo gives Yakin additional options as the team seeks to maintain its strong run. Xhaka’s experience and leadership in midfield, alongside Embolo’s attacking contribution, could prove valuable in the closing matches.
However, the federation’s decision to make them eligible does not automatically guarantee their inclusion in the final squad. Their participation will depend on Yakin’s selection.
The SFV said its review also highlighted the particular responsibility expected of players representing the national team. The association has announced new guidelines for handling future cases involving criminal proceedings, including requirements for players to report relevant legal developments and allowing measures proportionate to the circumstances.
The decision brings the two cases to a new stage, allowing both players to be considered again for international duty while leaving the responsibility for squad selection with the national coach.
