Swiss captain Xhaka and striker Embolo cleared to rejoin national team after legal resolution of forged vaccine certificate cases

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on Tuesday that midfielder Granit Xhaka and forward Breel Embolo are again eligible for selection for the upcoming Nations League matches in November. Both players had been excluded from the squad after admitting to using forged COVID‑19 vaccination certificates during the pandemic, which led to legal penalties and a four‑match suspension from international duty.

According to the SFV statement, the association has reviewed the cases and determined that the players’ return is justified because the legal proceedings have concluded and the sporting sanctions—missing the first four group games—have been served. National team director Pierluigi Tami described the decision as “both responsible and the right course of action.”

Switzerland’s coach Murat Yakin, together with his staff and the players’ council, voted to retain Xhaka as captain for the remainder of the campaign. Yakin said he is pleased to be able to make unrestricted selections for the squad in November, and indicated that the final squad list will be announced on 5 November ahead of the matches against Slovenia on 13 November and Scotland on 16 November in St Gallen.

Switzerland currently lead Group B1 of the Nations League with four consecutive wins. The reinstatement of Xhaka, who holds a Swiss record 152 caps, and Embolo, who has featured for Atlanta United, adds experience to a side that is positioned to contest the group’s final matches.