The scandal surrounding fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination documents has deepened within the Swiss national football team. Former Bundesliga striker Breel Embolo withdrew from upcoming international fixtures following revelations regarding forged certificates, according to reports from Swiss media.
Breel Embolo Withdraws from Swiss Squad
Swiss Football Association Responds
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced on Friday that the forward would not join the squad for their upcoming matches. The governing body stated that Embolo informed federation leadership regarding the private-matter disclosures circulating in the media, leading to the decision that the team would contest its current gathering without him.
Basel Public Prosecutor Issues Penal Order
According to Swiss reports published on Friday, investigations revealed that Embolo obtained fraudulent certificates in 2021 through a member of the Hells Angels. The public prosecutor’s office in Basel issued a penal order against the former Schalke and Borussia Mönchengladbach player on Nov. 25, 2025, charging him with multiple counts of instigation to falsification of documents. Records show Embolo received a conditional fine of 20 daily rate units at 3,000 Swiss francs each.
Player Statement and Atlanta United Career
Speaking to the program Schweiz heute, Embolo addressed the disciplinary order. “I have realized that my actions at the time were not right and have taken responsibility for them,” Embolo said. “That is why I accepted the penal order.” Following the publication of the penal order, federation management elected to exclude the forward, who currently plays for Major League Soccer club Atlanta United.
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Granit Xhaka Admission Parallels Scandal
The development follows a similar admission earlier in the week by former Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen player Granit Xhaka. The 33-year-old player acknowledged acquiring a vaccination certificate after the public prosecutor’s office of the Canton of Lucerne launched an investigation into potentially falsified proof. In a social media post on Monday, Xhaka admitted to purchasing the COVID-19 vaccination confirmation due to anxiety and uncertainty, subsequently withdrawing from national team consideration as well.
Upcoming UEFA Schedule for Switzerland
The Swiss squad faces a demanding schedule in international fixtures. The team is set to play away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland on Sept. 26 and Sept. 29, followed by home fixtures in Lucerne against Slovenia and North Macedonia on Oct. 3 and Oct. 6.
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