Switzerland brings back Xhaka and Embolo to the national team after the fake COVID document crisis
Agencies2 min read
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The Swiss Football Association announced on Tuesday the return of Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo to the national team ranks, effective from next November, following the completion of legal proceedings regarding their acquisition of fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
In a statement, the Association explained that its board of directors made the decision following a comprehensive review of the case, which dates back to 2021 and 2022, taking into account the conclusion of legal proceedings and the sporting consequences that resulted from the incident, including the players' absence from four international matches during September and October.
The Association confirmed that the players' return is now justified after the conclusion of the proceedings, while emphasizing the special responsibility borne by national team players.
Swiss national team director, Pierluigi Tami, said that the Association studied the case from all its aspects, taking into account the specific circumstances of each player and the legal proceedings that have ended, alongside the sanctions and sporting consequences that were already applied, considering their return in November a "responsible and correct step."
Regarding the captain's armband, coach Murat Yakin and his technical staff, in consultation with the players' council, decided to keep Xhaka as the national team captain, in a decision taken unanimously.
Yakin is scheduled to announce the Swiss national team squad for the final two matches in the UEFA Nations League against Slovenia and Scotland on Thursday, November 5, with Xhaka and Embolo expected to be among the names nominated for a return.
Yakin said he is happy to regain full freedom of choice when determining the national team squad during November.
The Swiss national team, which achieved four victories at the start of its UEFA Nations League campaign, is preparing to play its next two matches, as it visits Slovenia on November 13 in Maribor, before hosting Scotland on the 16th of the same month in St. Gallen.
The Swiss Association had agreed with Xhaka on his absence from the national team's matches in October against Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia, after the midfielder admitted to obtaining a fake certificate to facilitate his travel and participation in competitions in 2022, while Embolo was excluded from the national team squad later in September for the same reason.
