Sunderland star to return in international break as FA defend decision

Xhaka cleared to rejoin Switzerland squad after COVID certificate scandal; Swiss FA defends decision, confirms he retains captaincy.

Granit Xhaka has been cleared to return to the Switzerland squad following his involvement in a COVID-19 certificate scandal. The Swiss Football Association announced that the Sunderland midfielder, along with striker Breel Embolo, will be available for selection during the next international break against Slovenia and Scotland next month.

Xhaka had missed Switzerland's matches in the previous international window after admitting to obtaining a forged vaccination certificate. He publicly apologized on Instagram, acknowledging his distrust of the vaccine at the time and accepting responsibility for using improper channels rather than addressing his concerns through official means. He was subsequently handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs.

The Swiss FA defended its decision in a statement, noting that both players' return is justified following the conclusion of legal proceedings and accounting for the sporting consequences already endured—missing four international matches in September and October. Xhaka will retain the Switzerland captaincy, a decision made unanimously by head coach Murat Yakin and the technical staff in consultation with the players' council.