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Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo available for Switzerland's November matches

Switzerland has cleared both players to be considered for selection after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates. Coach Murat Yakin has yet to name his squad.

NewsJaws DeskEditorial desk

Published 27 Oct 2026, 17:14 GMT2 min read

Granit Xhaka (right) and Hugo Campagnaro during Switzerland’s match against Argentina. — Granit Xhaka (right) and Hugo Campagnaro during Switzerland’s match against Argentina in 2012. File photograph. Fanny Schertzer, “Hugo Campagnaro (L), Granit Xhaka (R) - Switzerland vs. Argentina, 29th February 2012” (resized and converted to WebP). CC BY 3.0.Image source Image licence: CC BY 3.0

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Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are available for Switzerland's November Nations League matches after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates, BBC Sport reported on 27 October. The Swiss Football Association's decision allows coach Murat Yakin to consider both players for games against Slovenia and Scotland, but neither has yet been named in the squad.

The decision follows their absence from international duty over certificates obtained to enable travel and competition in 2022. Reuters reported that the association considered a return justifiable after legal proceedings had concluded and sporting consequences had already been imposed. According to its account of the association's statement, the players missed four international matches between them in September and October.

Why Xhaka and Embolo missed Switzerland matches

Xhaka admitted acquiring a fake vaccination certificate and missed Switzerland's October Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia. Embolo was dropped from the national squad in September over the same issue. Xhaka later apologised, took responsibility and called his decision a mistake, Reuters reported.

Both players received fines of 150,000 Swiss francs suspended for a two-year probationary period. In explaining the return, national team director Pierluigi Tami said the association had considered the specific circumstances of each case, the concluded legal proceedings and the sporting consequences already implemented. He said the association was convinced that a November return was responsible and right.

What Yakin must decide before November

Xhaka has not been stripped of the Switzerland captaincy. The association said the final decision on that role rests with Yakin and the team. Availability for selection also leaves Yakin to decide whether either player will take part in the two matches; BBC Sport reported that he is due to announce his squad on 5 November.

Switzerland face Slovenia on 13 November and Scotland on 16 November in their final two Nations League group fixtures. Reuters reported that Switzerland were top of Group E with 12 points before those games. The return of Xhaka and Embolo therefore gives Yakin two more selection options as Switzerland approaches the end of its group campaign.