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Switzerland’s football association has cleared the way for captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo to return to international duty next month, according to the Jamaica Observer. The pair had been dropped from the squad and missed the first four Nations League matches in September and October following their involvement in a fake COVID-19 certificate affair during the pandemic.
Xhaka, a 34-year-old midfielder currently with Sunderland, admitted to obtaining a forged vaccine certificate to circumvent mandatory vaccination requirements. Embolo, 29, who plays for Atlanta United, similarly acknowledged receiving a penal order related to forged COVID documents. Both players received suspended financial penalties as part of their sanctions.
The Swiss Football Association stated that the players’ return is justified given the completion of legal proceedings and the sporting consequences they have already incurred. Coach Murat Yakin, his staff, and the players’ council unanimously decided that Xhaka will remain as captain moving forward. Yakin will announce his squad for the final two Nations League group matches on November 5, with both players on the shortlist for selection.
Switzerland currently leads Group B1 in the Nations League with four consecutive victories. The team faces second-placed Slovenia on November 13 before hosting Scotland three days later in St. Gallen. The Swiss FA has also announced new guidelines for handling future matters involving criminal law.
The incident came to light in late September when the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into Xhaka after he admitted to obtaining a fake certificate and stepped down from the squad. Embolo withdrew days later for similar reasons. Both players faced legal consequences during a period when many countries enforced strict vaccination requirements.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
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