Football
Xhaka cleared for Switzerland return after fake Covid certificate controversy
Granit Xhaka will be available for Switzerland again next month after the Swiss Football Association (SFV) completed its investigation into the forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates he acquired.
The SFV announced the outcome on Tuesday after Sunderland captain Xhaka admitted acquiring a fake certificate in order to be able to travel and compete in 2022.
After reaching an agreement with football federation, Xhaka sat out Switzerland’s October Nations League fixtures against Scotland, Slovenia and North Macedonia.
Granit Xhaka during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Atlanta United forward Breel Embalo was also dropped from the Switzerland squad later in September for the same reason.
Both players were handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs ($181,225), which will be in place for a probationary period of two years.
”The SFV has examined the two cases comprehensively and has come to the conclusion that the return of the players after the conclusion of the legal proceedings and taking into account the sporting consequences (four missed international matches in September and October) is justifiable,” the SFV said in a statement.
”We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and right,” added national team director Pierluigi Tami.
The SFV’s statement also confirmed that Xhaka would not have the captaincy removed, highlighting that the decision remains with the team and the coach, Murat Yakin.
Switzerland sit top of Group E with 12 points after winning all four of their matches earlier this month.
They face Slovenia and Scotland in their final two Nations League group games in November.