Granit Xhaka cleared to play for Switzerland again after fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate scandal

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo have been cleared to play for Switzerland in November following an investigation into their acquisition of fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates. Xhaka agreed to miss October's Nations League fixtures after admitting he obtained a forged certificate in 2022 while playing for Arsenal, while Embolo had also been sidelined. The Swiss Football Association confirmed both players are now eligible for selection for upcoming matches against Slovenia and Scotland.

Both players received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs for two years on the condition of committing no further offenses. Swiss FA director Pierluigi Tami stated their return is responsible following concluded legal and sporting proceedings. While the federation has not stripped Xhaka of the captaincy, head coach Murat Yakin retains the authority to make leadership changes when naming his squad on November 5.