Swiss Football Association Clears Xhaka and Embolo for National Team Return

National Team Status Restored

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has officially confirmed that captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo are once again available for selection to the Switzerland national football team. The duo will be eligible for consideration by manager Murat Yakin ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures scheduled for November.

Context of the Suspension

Both players were previously excluded from international duty following investigations into the acquisition of forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates. The administrative measures resulted in the following consequences for the players:

• Financial Penalties: Both individuals received a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately £136,000).
• Suspended Sanctions: The players are subject to a two-year suspended ban, contingent upon no further regulatory or legal violations.
• National Team Absence: Xhaka missed matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia during the October international window, while Embolo was dropped from the squad in September.

Official Stance on Reinstatement

National team director Pierluigi Tami stated that the decision to reintegrate the players was reached after evaluating the concluded legal proceedings and the disciplinary actions already enacted. According to the SFV, the organization views the return of the players as a responsible course of action.

Regarding the captaincy, the SFV clarified that while Xhaka has not been stripped of his title, the final decision rests with manager Murat Yakin. Yakin is expected to announce the official squad list on 5 November. Switzerland currently leads Group E in the Nations League, with upcoming matches against Slovenia and Scotland set for 13 and 16 November.

Verification and Further Updates

Supporters and media interested in the final squad composition should monitor official channels from the Swiss Football Association (SFV) following the 5 November announcement. Original statements and updates regarding the national team roster can be verified through the SFV's official press releases and communication platforms.