{
  "id": 16795959,
  "title": "Xhaka, Embolo cleared for Switzerland return after COVID scandal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/xhaka-embolo-cleared-for-switzerland-return-after-covid-scandal",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T21:04:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/xhaka-embolo-cleared-for-switzerland-return-after-covid-scandal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Switzerland's captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo are cleared to rejoin the national team for November's Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland, following an investigation into their use of forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The Swiss Football Association confirmed the decision, stating that they considered various perspectives, including the circumstances of the cases, the conclusion of legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already imposed. Both players received fines of 150,000 Swiss francs, which are suspended for two years if they commit no further offenses. Xhaka, Switzerland's record appearance holder with 152 caps, remains the team's captain, though the final decision on the captaincy rests with manager Murat Yakin, who will announce the squad on November 5.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Xhaka and Embolo to return to international duty after Covid test investigation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/xhaka-and-embolo-to-return-to-international-duty-after-covid-test",
        "published": "2026-10-27T16:03:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Xhaka restored as Switzerland captain and Embolo can play again after fake COVID-19 document cases",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/xhaka-restored-as-switzerland-captain-and-embolo-can-play-again-after",
        "published": "2026-10-27T16:07:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Xhaka, Embolo can return to Swiss squad after fake Covid docs affair",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/xhaka-embolo-can-return-to-swiss-squad-after-fake-covid-docs-affair",
        "published": "2026-10-27T21:17:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}