Switzerland has omitted striker Breel Embolo from their upcoming Nations League matches squad. The decision comes after Embolo was sanctioned for using forged Covid-19 test certificates during the pandemic. This development was announced by the Swiss football association on Friday, although no reason was specified. Embolo's omission follows that of captain Granit Xhaka, who was dropped after confessing to using a fake certificate to avoid a mandatory vaccination.
According to Swiss media, Embolo's exclusion is linked to a fine imposed in November 2025. He had claimed to have passed Covid tests using fake certificates. The details of the sanction against the Atlanta United player emerged through the Schweiz Heute outlet. Embolo has since acknowledged that his behavior was not correct and has accepted responsibility. In a statement to the St. Galler Tagblatt daily, he expressed his understanding of the gravity of his actions.
Embolo's case is the second high-profile incident within the Swiss team this week. Captain Granit Xhaka admitted to using a fake Covid-19 test certificate on Monday. Xhaka attributed his actions to feelings of deep mistrust regarding the vaccine, which led to anxiety and doubt. The Swiss FA has stated that Xhaka's case will be reviewed after the current international window. Both players' actions have raised concerns about their judgment and reliability.
Switzerland will begin their Nations League campaign away to North Macedonia on Saturday. They will then face Scotland on September 29. Embolo would have been suspended for the first game due to a red card received during the World Cup quarter-finals against Argentina. The Swiss team will also host Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne on October 3 and 6, respectively. The absence of Embolo and Xhaka will undoubtedly impact the team's dynamics and performance.
The Swiss football association's decision to drop Embolo and Xhaka reflects their commitment to upholding integrity and fair play. Using forged Covid-19 test certificates undermines the efforts to manage the pandemic and maintain public trust in sports. The association's actions demonstrate that such behavior will not be tolerated within the team. This stance is crucial in maintaining the credibility of the Swiss football team and the sport as a whole.
Embolo's situation has garnered significant attention due to his profile as a prominent player. His actions, along with those of Xhaka, have sparked discussions about accountability and responsibility in professional sports. The incident highlights the challenges teams face in managing player behavior and ensuring compliance with regulations. The Swiss team's response will be closely watched by fans and the broader football community.
The Nations League matches will provide an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by Embolo and Xhaka. The Swiss team's performance will be closely monitored, and their ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial. As the team navigates this challenging period, they will need to demonstrate resilience and determination to achieve their goals in the competition.
Key points
- - Embolo and Xhaka were dropped from the Swiss squad due to their use of forged Covid-19 test certificates. - The Swiss football association is committed to upholding integrity and fair play, and will not tolerate such behavior within the team. - The Nations League matches will provide an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by Embolo and Xhaka.
