Xhaka, Embolo to return for Switzerland after fake COVID-19 certificate controversy

FILE PHOTO: Granit Xhaka (L) and Breel Embolo (R) are set to return to the Swiss national team during the November international break. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Granit Xhaka was restored as captain of Switzerland on Tuesday after missing four games because he admitted using fake vaccination certificates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atlanta United forward Breel Embolo, who was further implicated in September in a similar case, can also be picked again for two Nations League matches next month, the Swiss football federation said in a statement.

“I am pleased once again to be able to make my selections without restrictions for the November games,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said.

Yakin, his staff and players were unanimous in wanting Xhaka to continue as captain, the federation said.

Xhaka revealed this month he was put on two years’ probation for getting a fake vaccine document in 2022. He paid court costs with a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs ($180,000).

The Sunderland captain can add to his national-team record of 152 caps when Switzerland plays in Slovenia on November 13 and hosts Scotland three days later.

World Cup quarterfinalist Switzerland tops its Nations League second-tier group, five points ahead of Slovenia, seeking promotion back to the top tier.