Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are stepping back into the Switzerland national team squad after serving their time in international exile. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed that both players are officially available for selection for November's upcoming Nations League matches, putting an end to a messy scandal that dominated headlines across Europe over the past couple of months.
If you followed the saga when it broke in September, you already know the core details. Both players were dropped from the national setup after it came to light that they had obtained forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates during the pandemic. Xhaka publicly owned up to his actions, admitting that fear, uncertainty, and a deep distrust of the vaccine drove him to take a shortcut instead of addressing his questions properly. Embolo followed suit shortly after, with both stars accepting a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs ($181,225) on a two-year probation period.
Why the Swiss FA Brought Them Back Now
National team director Pierluigi Tami didn't mince words when addressing the media about the reinstatement. He made it clear that bringing the captain and the star striker back into the fold for November was both responsible and the right course of action.
Let's be honest about the sporting reality here. Switzerland sits comfortably at the top of their UEFA Nations League group with 12 points after sweeping their first four matches in September and October—even without their talismanic captain on the pitch. But as Murat Yakin's side prepares to close out their group stage fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland, having your best players available becomes non-negotiable.
The SFV faced a choice. They could have dragged out the punishment to make a moral statement, or they could handle the fallout, accept the public apologies, and allow the players to rebuild trust through performance. They chose the latter, keeping Xhaka's captaincy intact while establishing clearer legal and ethical guidelines for the future.
Understanding the Backlash and the Apology
The scandal hit Swiss football hard because both men are senior leaders in the dressing room. When the news surfaced, the public reaction was severe. Fans and pundits questioned how national team role models could justify using fraudulent documents.
Xhaka's statement back in September was remarkably candid. He didn't hide behind PR spin. He admitted that he panicked, let his personal uncertainty dictate his choices, and made a grave error in judgment. By cooperating fully with prosecutors in Lucerne and accepting the financial penalties without legal squabbling, Xhaka laid the groundwork for his eventual return.
Embolo handled his withdrawal with a similar acknowledgment of accountability. For the SFV, the willingness of both players to face the music made a path to reconciliation possible.
What This Means for Switzerland's Nations League Push
With Xhaka patrolling the midfield and Embolo leading the attack, Switzerland regains its competitive edge just in time for the crunch fixtures of the international break. Murat Yakin's squad has proven they can grind out wins under pressure, but the technical quality and sheer presence that Xhaka brings to the pitch are impossible to replace over a long campaign.
The fake COVID document affair remains a dark chapter in both players' careers, but football has a short memory when players start winning matches again. The legal penalties are paid or suspended, the apologies are on the record, and the focus shifts entirely back to the grass.
Get ready to see the familiar faces back in red and white when the referee blows the whistle next month. The team has turned the page, and the squad is back at full strength.
