Swiss Football Association Clears Xhaka and Embolo for Return
Swiss national team captain Granit Xhaka and forward Breel Embolo will be eligible to return to international duty next month after completing legal proceedings and serving sporting suspensions related to forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates, the Swiss Football Association announced on Tuesday, October 28, 2026, according to coverage from Al Jazeera, Reuters, Anadolu Agency, and Emirates 24.
Suspensions and Legal Proceedings Over Vaccination Certificates
Xhaka missed Switzerland’s UEFA Nations League matches in October against Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia after admitting to obtaining a fraudulent vaccination certificate to facilitate travel and competition access in 2022, as reported by Reuters and Anadolu Agency. Embolo, 29, was subsequently omitted from the national squad in September for the same offense. Both players received a conditional fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to $181,225 depending on exchange rates cited across the reports, suspended over a two-year probationary period.
Evaluation and Decision by the Swiss Football Association
The Swiss Football Association board reviewed both cases comprehensively before clearing the players for selection. National team director Pierluigi Tami stated that the governing body evaluated the specific circumstances of each case alongside the concluded legal framework and the sporting sanctions already administered, which included missing four international fixtures across September and October. We are convinced that the return to the national team in November is a responsible and correct decision,
Tami said, according to Reuters and Anadolu Agency.
Xhaka Retains Captaincy as Switzerland Faces Slovenia and Scotland
Xhaka accepted responsibility for his actions, characterizing the violation as a mistake while issuing an apology. Unlike Embolo, who missed matches earlier, Xhaka retained his leadership role. The coaching staff under manager Murat Yakin, in consultation with the player council, unanimously voted to keep Xhaka as team captain. Yakin expressed satisfaction at regaining full squad selection freedom ahead of the final group stage matches. Switzerland currently tops Group E with 12 points from four wins and will travel to face Slovenia in Maribor on November 13 before hosting Scotland in St. Gallen on November 16.
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