▲ Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka (34, Sunderland), captain of the Swiss national football team, and forward Breel Embolo (29, Atlanta United), who caused controversy by purchasing fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates, are on track to return to the national team.
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced on the 27th (local time) that Xhaka and Embolo will be included in head coach Murat Yakin's call-up list to play in next month's UEFA Nations League group stage matches.
Previously, the two players were investigated by Swiss prosecutors on charges of obtaining forged certificates in 2022, when COVID-19 vaccination certificates were mandatory for international travel. Consequently, they were excluded from the national team squads in September and October.
As a result of the investigation, each was sentenced to a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately 240 million KRW).
However, the sentences are suspended on the condition that there are no further violations over a two-year period.
Pierluigi Tami, the national team director, explained, "We comprehensively considered the specific circumstances of the case, the concluded legal proceedings, and the penalties already handed down. We are confident that their return to the national team in November is a responsible and correct decision."
Xhaka has not been stripped of his captaincy.
However, the association added that the final decision regarding the appointment of the captain rests with coach Yakin, who will announce the squad list on the 5th of next month.
Switzerland, currently leading Group E in the UEFA Nations League group stage, is scheduled to face Slovenia on the 13th and Scotland on the 16th of next month, local time.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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