Granit Xhaka will return to the Switzerland national team for the November matches, leaving behind the suspension following the scandal over a falsified COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The Swiss Football Association has decided to give the Albanian-born midfielder another chance, and he will remain team captain.
Alongside Xhaka, striker Breel Embolo has also been brought back into coach Murat Yakin’s plans, after both players had been left out of the national team because of this issue.
They were each fined 150,000 Swiss francs, suspended, with a two-year probation period. Xhaka had publicly accepted responsibility and apologized for his actions, describing them as a mistake.
The team director, Pierluigi Tami, said the decision to bring them back was made after reviewing the circumstances, legal procedures and sporting consequences.
“We are convinced that their return to the national team in November is responsible and the right decision,” Tami stated.
Meanwhile, the Federation has confirmed that Xhaka will continue to wear the captain’s armband. The decision was taken unanimously by coach Yakin, the technical staff and the players’ council, confirming their trust in the Albanian midfielder.
