Granit Xhaka, Breel Embolo, Swiss Football Association and Murat Yakin
27 October 2026
Switzerland have cleared captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo to return to international selection following investigations into forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates. Both players had previously been excluded from national-team duties because of the cases.
The Swiss Football Association reviewed the completed legal proceedings, individual circumstances and sporting penalties before confirming their eligibility for November’s Nations League fixtures. Both players received fines of 150,000 Swiss francs and suspended two-year penalties, conditional on avoiding further offences. Xhaka has not been stripped of the captaincy, although manager Murat Yakin will decide the final squad and leadership arrangements on 5 November.
Why It Matters
Switzerland could regain two experienced players for their decisive Nations League fixtures.