Swiss captain Xhaka and striker Embolo back in contention for November matches
The duo missed four international games following suspended fines for using forged pandemic documentation.
By Alexander Parker ·
Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are eligible to play for Switzerland again starting in November, following the conclusion of legal proceedings over forged COVID-19 certificates. The Swiss Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that both players will be considered for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The pair missed the first four matches of the current Nations League campaign in September and October. Their absence came after the Lucerne public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into Xhaka in late September. Xhaka admitted to using a fake certificate to avoid mandatory vaccination and subsequently stepped down from the squad. Embolo withdrew a few days later, acknowledging a penal order related to similar documents.
Both players received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, which is equivalent to $181,225. The fine carries a two-year probationary period. The Swiss Football Association stated that it examined both cases and determined that the players' return is justified because the legal process is complete and the sporting penalty of missing four matches has been served.
National team director Pierluigi Tami said the association is convinced that a return in November is the right course of action. Head coach Murat Yakin noted that he is pleased to make unrestricted selections for the squad. Yakin, his staff, and the players' council unanimously agreed that Xhaka will continue as team captain.
Xhaka, 34, plays for Sunderland and holds the national record with 152 caps. Embolo, 29, plays for Atlanta United. Switzerland currently leads Group B1 of the Nations League with four consecutive wins.
Yakin will name his squad for the final two group matches on November 5. Both Xhaka and Embolo are on the shortlist for that announcement. The team travels to face second-placed Slovenia on November 13.
Switzerland will host Scotland in St Gallen on November 16. The Swiss Football Association also announced new guidelines for handling future matters involving criminal law.
Source: Al Jazeera
