Granit Xhaka has been officially cleared to resume international duty for Switzerland following the Swiss Football Association’s (SFV) conclusion of its investigation into the forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The Sunderland captain admitted to acquiring a fraudulent document in 2022 to facilitate travel and competition, a breach that initially resulted in his suspension from the national team. The SFV announced the final outcome on Tuesday, marking the end of a controversial period that saw the midfielder sidelined from key competitive fixtures.
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As part of the settlement agreement between Xhaka and the SFV, the player sat out Switzerland’s October Nations League matches against Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. This disciplinary measure was mirrored for Breel Embolo, the Atlanta United striker who was dropped from the squad in September for the same offense. Both players are now eligible to re-enter the pool for upcoming international windows, with their return expected to bolster the Swiss squad’s depth ahead of next month’s fixtures.
The resolution removes a significant uncertainty for the Swiss national team, allowing the coaching staff to focus on tactical preparations without the distraction of ongoing disciplinary proceedings. While the incident highlighted strict adherence to health protocols during the pandemic, the closure of the case signals a reset for both Xhaka and Embolo. Fans and analysts will now watch closely to see if the duo can translate their clearance into on-pitch performance, restoring their status as pivotal assets for Switzerland in the coming months.
Source: The Independent Sport
