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Granit Xhaka cleared to play for Switzerland again after fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate scandal

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are available for Switzerland again next month after an investigation into the pair's acquisition of fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates. 

Switzerland captain Xhaka, 34, agreed to miss October's Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia after admitting to obtaining a forged certificate to travel abroad during his time at Arsenal in 2022.

Embolo, 29, was also dropped by Switzerland for the same reason in September.

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on Tuesday that the Sunderland midfielder and Atlanta United star would both be available for selection ahead of November's matches against Slovenia and Scotland.

'We considered this from various perspectives. The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision,' Switzerland director Pierluigi Tami said.

'We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do.'

Granit Xhaka, who missed the October international break, has been cleared to play for Switzerland again after a probe into his acquisition of a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate
Granit Xhaka, who missed the October international break, has been cleared to play for Switzerland again after a probe into his acquisition of a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate
Striker Breel Embolo, who was dropped for the same reason, has also be cleared to play
Striker Breel Embolo, who was dropped for the same reason, has also be cleared to play

Both Xhaka and Embolo were fined 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000), with the penalties suspended for two years on condition they commit no further offences. 

The statement added that Xhaka has not been stripped of the captaincy by the SFV, but Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin retains the authority to remove the Sunderland veteran as skipper. 

Xhaka, who labelled his actions a 'mistake' in a grovelling apology last month, is Switzerland's record appearance maker with 152 caps ahead of the November international break.

Yakin is scheduled to name his Nations League squad on November 5.

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