Xhaka and Embolo welcomed back to Swiss squad after vaccination suspension

Xhaka and Embolo cleared to return to Switzerland squad after serving suspension for forged vaccination documents during COVID period.

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo have been cleared to rejoin the Swiss national team following an investigation into forged vaccination certificates they obtained during the coronavirus pandemic. Both players were excluded from recent Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia after admitting to using false vaccination documents to travel and play matches in 2022.

Swiss Football Association technical director Pierluigi Tami confirmed the reinstatement, stating: "We have examined this matter from different perspectives. The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings and the sporting consequences already imposed all played a role in our decision. We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right decision."

Both Xhaka, 34, and Embolo, 29, were fined over €160,000 each, with the penalties suspended for two years provided they commit no further violations. Manager Murat Yakin will announce his squad for November's internationals against Slovenia and Scotland on 5 November.