Xhaka and Embolo cleared to play for Switzerland again

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 17:20 · Archive

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will be allowed to return to the Switzerland national team next month after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates.

The Swiss Football Association completed its investigation into the forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates acquired by Xhaka and Embolo on Tuesday. Xhaka, Sunderland's captain, admitted to obtaining a fake certificate to enable him to travel and compete in 2022. He sat out Switzerland's October Nations League fixtures against Scotland, Slovenia and North Macedonia. Embolo, a 29-year-old striker, was dropped from the squad in September for the same reason.

Both players have been handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, which will be in place for a probationary period of two years. The SFV said the return of the players 'after the conclusion of the legal proceedings and taking into account the sporting consequences is justifiable'.

Xhaka apologised last month, stating he felt a 'deep mistrust of the vaccine' and obtained a certificate 'instead of addressing my unresolved questions through the proper channels'. He called it 'a mistake'. The 34-year-old has not been stripped of the captaincy, though team manager Murat Yakin will make the final decision on whether he remains captain. Both players are available for Switzerland's November Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.

How it is being reported

• Granit Xhaka cleared to play for Switzerland again after fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate scandalGranit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are available for Switzerland again next month after an investigation into the pair's acquisition of fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates.Daily Mail Sport · 27 Oct, 19:37
• Granit Xhaka learns fate after investigation into fake Covid vaccine certificatesGranit Xhaka previously admitted to acquiring a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate in order to represent his country back in 2022 and it appears that the Sunderland star has avoided serious punishmentMirror Sport · 27 Oct, 17:35
• Captain Xhaka allowed to play for Switzerland againGranit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will be allowed to return to action for Switzerland next month following an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates.BBC Sport · 27 Oct, 17:00
• Granit Xhaka cleared for Switzerland return after fake Covid vaccination certificate controversyXhaka sat out Switzerland’s Nations League matches earlier this month after admitting to acquiring a forged certificateIndependent Sport · 27 Oct, 16:14

In this story: Granit Xhaka · Breel Embolo · Switzerland · Swiss Football Association · Sunderland · Murat Yakin · Scotland · Slovenia

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