The Swiss football association has announced that Breel Embolo will not be part of the upcoming Nations League matches. This decision comes after Embolo was sanctioned for using forged Covid-19 test certificates during the pandemic. The news was reported by Swiss media, which linked the omission to a fine imposed in November 2025. Embolo had claimed to have passed Covid tests using fake certificates.
Embolo's case is not an isolated incident. Captain Granit Xhaka was also omitted from the squad after confessing to using a fake Covid vaccine certificate. Xhaka admitted on his social media channels on September 21, 2026, that he had presented a forged certificate to avoid mandatory vaccination during the Covid crisis. The 33-year-old midfielder expressed regret for his actions.
Xhaka's admission came as a shock to fans and the football community. He explained that he had felt deep mistrust regarding the vaccine and was gripped by anxiety and doubt. The Swiss FA said Xhaka's case would be reviewed after the current international window. The midfielder's actions have consequences for the team, which will play Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
The Swiss football association did not specify the reason for Embolo's omission from the squad. However, Schweiz Heute outlet revealed that Embolo had been fined in November 2025 for using fake certificates. Embolo has since spoken out about his actions, saying he understood that his behavior was not correct and accepted responsibility.
Embolo would have been suspended for the first game after his red card against Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals. His absence will be felt by the team, which will have to play without two key players. The Swiss squad begins their campaign away to North Macedonia on September 24 and then travels to face Scotland on September 29.
The consequences of Embolo and Xhaka's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity in sports. The Swiss FA is taking a firm stance on the issue, and the players are facing the consequences of their actions. The team will have to regroup and move forward without two experienced players.
Switzerland will host Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne on October 3 and 6. The team will have to work together to overcome the challenges ahead. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the use of forged documents in sports and the need for players to uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Key points
- Breel Embolo and Granit Xhaka face sanctions for using forged Covid documents.
- The Swiss football association has announced that Embolo will not be part of the upcoming Nations League matches.
- Xhaka's case will be reviewed after the current international window.
