Granit Xhaka cleared for Switzerland return after fake Covid vaccination certificate controversy

Xhaka cleared to return to Switzerland duty after serving suspension for acquiring forged COVID certificate; handed suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs.

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo have been cleared to rejoin the Switzerland national team after the Swiss Football Association completed its investigation into forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates both players acquired in 2022.

Xhaka, Sunderland's captain, admitted to obtaining a fake certificate to enable travel and competition. Under an agreement with the SFV, he sat out Switzerland's October Nations League matches against Scotland, Slovenia and North Macedonia. Embolo, a striker at MLS side Atlanta United, was dropped from the squad in September for the same reason.

Both players received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs ($181,225) with a two-year probationary period. The SFV stated that "the return of the players after the conclusion of the legal proceedings and taking into account the sporting consequences (four missed international matches) is justifiable." National team director Pierluigi Tami confirmed Xhaka would retain the captaincy, with that decision remaining with coach Murat Yakin. Xhaka apologised last month, saying he felt "deep mistrust of the vaccine" but now recognises obtaining the certificate "was the wrong course of action." Switzerland top Group E with 12 points and face Slovenia and Scotland in their final two Nations League group games in November.