Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and forward Breel Embolo have been cleared to return to the national team for November’s UEFA Nations League fixtures following the conclusion of proceedings surrounding their use of forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on October 27, 2026, that both players would once again be considered for selection after reviewing their cases, the conclusion of the legal proceedings and the sporting consequences they had already faced.
The decision brings an end to their recent absence from international football and opens the door for the experienced duo to feature in Switzerland’s final two Nations League group matches against Slovenia and Scotland.
Xhaka, who captains Sunderland at club level and leads the Swiss national team, missed Switzerland’s October fixtures after admitting that he had obtained a forged vaccination certificate to travel and compete in 2022.
Embolo, who plays for Major League Soccer side Atlanta United, was also removed from the national team setup in September over a similar case.
Both players subsequently missed four international matches across the September and October windows as part of the sporting consequences associated with the cases.
After examining the circumstances surrounding the incidents, the Swiss Football Association concluded that their return was justified following the completion of the legal proceedings and the disciplinary consequences already imposed.
Swiss national team director Pierluigi Tami said the federation had considered the matter from different perspectives before reaching its decision.
He explained that the circumstances of both cases, the conclusion of the legal proceedings and the international matches already missed had all contributed to the decision to make the players available again.
Tami also expressed confidence that their return in November was a responsible decision for the national team.
Despite the controversy, Xhaka will retain the Switzerland captaincy. The federation confirmed that head coach Murat Yakin, his technical staff and the players’ council unanimously agreed that the midfielder should continue in the leadership role.
The decision preserves Xhaka’s position as one of the central figures in the national team, with his experience and leadership remaining important as Switzerland approaches the decisive stage of its Nations League campaign.
Xhaka had previously apologised for his actions, acknowledging that obtaining the forged certificate was a mistake. He accepted responsibility for his decision and expressed regret over the circumstances that led to the controversy.
Both players were handed suspended financial penalties of 150,000 Swiss francs each, subject to a two-year probationary period.
The disciplinary outcome means their return to international football does not erase the consequences of the cases. Instead, the federation has determined that the proceedings and sporting sanctions already completed justify allowing them to resume their international careers.
Their availability will provide Switzerland with additional options ahead of the November fixtures, although their inclusion in the final squad will depend on the selection decisions of Yakin.
Switzerland have made an impressive start to their Nations League campaign, winning their opening four matches and collecting 12 points to lead their group.
They will travel to face Slovenia on November 13 before hosting Scotland on November 16 in their final two group-stage matches.
The Swiss Football Association is scheduled to announce the squad for those fixtures on November 5, with Xhaka and Embolo among the players eligible for consideration.
For Xhaka, the return also offers an opportunity to continue his international career as Switzerland’s record appearance holder, while retaining the captaincy provides continuity in the team’s leadership.
Embolo’s availability, meanwhile, gives Yakin another attacking option as Switzerland seek to maintain their strong start and finish the group stage successfully.
Although the controversy resulted in both players missing several international matches, the federation has now confirmed that they can be considered for selection again. Their potential return will be one of the key developments to watch when Switzerland names its squad for the November Nations League fixtures.
