Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo are eligible to return to international duty next month following an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on Tuesday that both players can be considered for selection ahead of November’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.
Xhaka missed Switzerland’s three matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia during the October international break after admitting that he had obtained a fraudulent vaccination certificate.
The 34-year-old Sunderland midfielder used the document to facilitate travel and participation in football activities in 2022, when Covid-related restrictions remained in place.
Embolo, 29, was also excluded from the national squad in September after becoming involved in a similar case.
Both players subsequently faced legal proceedings over their actions, with the cases resulting in substantial financial penalties.
They were each fined 150,000 Swiss francs, approximately £136,000, and received suspended two-year sentences, meaning they will avoid serving them provided they commit no further offences.
The SFV has now concluded that the sanctions already imposed, alongside the sporting consequences of their international absences, are sufficient to permit their return.
National team director Pierluigi Tami explained that the association considered several factors before reaching its decision.
“We considered this from various perspectives,” Tami said. “The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision.”
Tami added that the association believes allowing both players to return for November’s fixtures is an appropriate course of action.
The announcement also provides clarity over Xhaka’s international future, although the midfielder’s position as Switzerland captain remains subject to a final decision.
Despite the controversy, Xhaka has not been formally stripped of the captaincy he held before his exclusion.
However, the SFV confirmed that Switzerland manager Murat Yakin retains responsibility for determining who will lead the team.
Yakin is scheduled to announce his squad on November 5, when the involvement of both players should become clearer.
Their potential return comes at an important stage of Switzerland’s Nations League campaign.
Yakin’s side currently lead Group E ahead of their final two fixtures, with Slovenia visiting on November 13 before Switzerland face Scotland on November 16.
Xhaka’s leadership and midfield experience could provide a significant boost, while Embolo offers another established attacking option.
Although both players are now eligible, their participation remains dependent on Yakin’s selection decisions.
The announcement nevertheless marks a significant step towards their reintegration into the Switzerland squad following the disciplinary controversy.