Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo will be available for national-team selection again in November after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on Tuesday that manager Murat Yakin can consider both players for the Nations League matches against Slovenia and Scotland.
Xhaka, the 34-year-old Sunderland midfielder, missed Switzerland’s October fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia after admitting he had obtained a fake certificate. The document enabled him to travel and play in 2022.
Embolo, 29, was omitted from the Switzerland squad in September over the same issue.
Both players were fined 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000), with the fines suspended for two years provided they commit no further offences.
Swiss national team director Pierluigi Tami said the decision to permit their return had taken account of the circumstances surrounding each case, the conclusion of the legal proceedings and the sporting sanctions already imposed.
“We considered this from various perspectives,” Tami said. “The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision.
“We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do.”
Xhaka accepted responsibility for his actions and has not been removed as Switzerland captain.
However, the SFV said the final decision on the captaincy remains with Yakin. The manager is due to announce his squad on 5 November, when he will also decide whether to include Xhaka and Embolo.
Switzerland lead Group E before their final two Nations League matches. They face Slovenia on 13 November before meeting Scotland on 16 November.
