Swiss stars back for November fixtures

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are eligible for selection in Switzerland’s upcoming Nations League matches. The Swiss Football Association confirmed the pair can return to the pool of available players for fixtures in November.

Both players were left out of the squad for the first four Nations League games held in September and October. They missed those matches following sanctions imposed for using forged COVID-19 certificates during the pandemic.

Xhaka, the 34-year-old Sunderland midfielder, admitted to using a fake vaccine certificate to bypass mandatory jabs. He holds a Swiss record of 152 caps. Embolo, the 29-year-old Atlanta United forward, acknowledged that a penal order against him involved similar documentation.

The association stated it examined both cases thoroughly. It concluded that their return is justified because legal proceedings are complete and they have already served their sporting penalty by missing four international matches.

National team director Pierluigi Tami said the return is responsible and the correct course of action. Coach Murat Yakin, his staff, and the players’ council unanimously agreed that Xhaka will remain the team captain.

Yakin will announce the squad for the final two group matches on November 5. Switzerland currently leads Group B1 with four consecutive wins. The team travels to face second-placed Slovenia on November 13 and hosts Scotland in St Gallen on November 16.

The Lucerne public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into Xhaka in late September. He stepped down from the squad after admitting to obtaining a fake certificate. Embolo withdrew from the squad a few days later for similar reasons. Both men received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, or 181,225 dollars, with a two-year probationary period.