Switzerland clears Xhaka, Embolo for national team return after fake COVID certificate cases
- Swiss football federation says both players eligible for November Nations League fixtures, confirms Xhaka will remain captain
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- Swiss football federation says both players eligible for November Nations League fixtures, confirms Xhaka will remain captain
By Halis Sunnetci
ISTANBUL (AA) - Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo will be considered again for national team selection in November following the conclusion of legal proceedings over counterfeit COVID-19 certificates, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced Tuesday.
The federation said its central board approved the decision after reviewing both cases and considering the sporting consequences already imposed on the players, who missed four international matches in September and October.
"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," national team director Pierluigi Tami said.
"We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do," he added.
The federation also confirmed that Xhaka will remain Switzerland's captain following a unanimous decision by head coach Murat Yakin, his technical staff and the players' council.
Xhaka, who plays for Premier League side Sunderland, received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs ($180,000) earlier this month after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
Embolo, who plays for Major League Soccer side Atlanta United, received a suspended financial penalty of 60,000 Swiss francs after ordering two forged COVID-19 travel certificates in 2021.
The striker accepted the penalty, acknowledging that his actions were wrong and taking responsibility.
Yakin welcomed the federation's decision, saying he was pleased to have unrestricted options when selecting his November squad.
The coach will announce his squad on Nov. 5, with both players among those under consideration.
Switzerland, who have won all four of their Nations League matches so far, will face Slovenia away on Nov. 13 before hosting Scotland in St. Gallen on Nov. 16.
Halis Sünnetci