Swiss Captain Xhaka and Embolo Cleared for November Duties

The Swiss Football Association has confirmed that captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo are available for selection for the upcoming Nations League fixtures in November. The two players had been sidelined from the squad following sanctions related to the use of forged COVID-19 certificates during the pandemic.

Xhaka and Embolo missed the first four matches of the current Nations League campaign, which took place in September and October. Their return marks the end of a period where they were excluded from international duty while legal and sporting consequences were addressed.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Sunderland, holds the record for most caps for Switzerland with 152 appearances. He previously admitted to using a fake vaccine certificate to avoid mandatory vaccinations. His teammate, 29-year-old forward Breel Embolo of Atlanta United, acknowledged that a penal order against him also concerned false pandemic documentation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Swiss Football Association explained that it has thoroughly examined both cases. The governing body concluded that the players' return is justifiable because the legal proceedings have been completed and the sporting consequences of missing four international matches have already been incurred.

Pierluigi Tami, the national team director, expressed confidence in the decision. He stated that the organization believes a return to the national team in November is both a responsible step and the correct course of action for the squad.

The decision to retain Xhaka as team captain was made unanimously by coach Murat Yakin, his staff, and the players' council. This ensures continuity in leadership as the team prepares for its remaining group stage obligations.

Switzerland currently leads Group B1 in the Nations League, having secured four consecutive victories. Coach Yakin plans to announce the final squad for the last two group matches on November 5. According to the Swiss FA, both Xhaka and Embolo are on the shortlist for selection.

The team is scheduled to travel to face second-placed Slovenia on November 13. Three days later, on November 16, Switzerland will host Scotland at a venue in St Gallen. These matches will determine the final standings in the group.

Coach Yakin welcomed the resolution, noting that he is pleased to make unrestricted selections for the squad in November. The clarity provided by the governing body allows the coaching staff to plan without the uncertainty that previously surrounded the availability of the two senior players.

The controversy began in late September when the Lucerne public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into Xhaka. He admitted to obtaining the fake certificate and stepped down from the squad at the time. A few days later, Embolo withdrew for similar reasons. Both players received suspended fines of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately 181,225 US dollars, with a probationary period of two years. The Swiss FA has also announced new guidelines for handling future matters involving criminal law.