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Switzerland football players Xhaka and Embolo cleared for national team return
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has announced that Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will be eligible for selection for the Swiss national team starting in November. The decision follows an investigation into the pair's use of forged COVID-19 vaccination and test certificates during the pandemic.
Both players were previously sidelined for four Nations League matches in September and October. Xhaka, the team captain, admitted to acquiring a fake certificate in 2022 to facilitate travel and competition. Embolo was also removed from the squad for similar reasons. Both players received suspended fines of 150,000 Swiss francs.
National team director Pierluigi Tami stated that the SFV considered the specific circumstances, the conclusion of legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already endured. The association concluded that their return is “responsible and the right thing to do.”
Coach Murat Yakin and the player council have unanimously decided that Xhaka will retain his role as captain. The players are expected to be available for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia on November 13 and Scotland on November 16.
Entities
Breel Embolo · Granit Xhaka · Murat Yakin · Pierluigi Tami · Swiss Football Association · Switzerland
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The players missed four international matches in September and October. www.devdiscourse.com · latele.ch · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Granit Xhaka admitted to acquiring a fake certificate to travel and compete in 2022. www.devdiscourse.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Granit Xhaka will retain his position as captain of the Swiss national team. www.devdiscourse.com · latele.ch · www.blick.ch
- [● 4 SOURCES] Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will be available for selection for the Swiss national team in November. www.devdiscourse.com · latele.ch · www.blick.ch · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Both players were issued a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs ($181,225). www.devdiscourse.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspended fine includes a two-year probationary period. www.devdiscourse.com · www.independent.co.uk