Breel Embolo has been excluded from the Swiss national team training camp following his involvement in a forged COVID-19 vaccination certificate case, dealing a second major blow to the squad days after captain Granit Xhaka faced similar allegations. The Swiss Football Association announced the decision on Friday evening, leaving the team without two of its star players ahead of crucial UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The Swiss Football Association announced on Friday evening that Breel Embolo will not join the national team’s upcoming camp. According to the association’s official statement, Embolo informed management of a personal matter leaked to the media, prompting leadership to decide that the team will complete its current training camp without him.
Swiss media reports revealed that the former Schalke and Borussia Mönchengladbach striker obtained forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates in 2021 from a member of the Hells Angels gang. Public records show the public prosecutor’s office in Basel issued a court order against the player on November 25, 2025, on multiple charges of incitement to forgery. The court sentenced him to a suspended fine of 3,000 Swiss francs per day.
Player Admission and Court Ruling
Embolo, who currently plays for American club Atlanta United, did not contest the findings. In an interview with the Swiss newspaper Schweiz Heute, the forward stated he realized his actions at the time were wrong.
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"I realised that my actions at that time were wrong and I took responsibility for them, which is why I accepted the court ruling," Embolo told Schweiz Heute.
The Swiss Football Association acted immediately upon the publication of the court ruling on Friday, removing him from the active squad.
Impact on Switzerland’s UEFA Nations League Campaign
The simultaneous loss of Embolo and team captain Granit Xhaka leaves Switzerland severely depleted for four decisive Group Two fixtures. Xhaka, the 33-year-old former Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen player, admitted earlier in the week to obtaining a similar forged certificate.
Switzerland faces a demanding schedule without their captain and main striker. The squad travels to play North Macedonia and Scotland on September 26 and September 29, before returning home to host Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne on October 3 and October 6.
Did you know? Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo both previously played in the German Bundesliga for Borussia Mönchengladbach before embarking on different paths in their international and club careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Breel Embolo excluded from the Swiss national team? The Swiss Football Association excluded Embolo after court documents revealed he obtained forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates in 2021 through a member of the Hells Angels gang.
What punishment did Embolo receive from the court? The public prosecutor’s office in Basel issued a court order on November 25, 2025, sentencing Embolo to a suspended fine of 3,000 Swiss francs per day on multiple charges relating to incitement to forgery.
Which upcoming matches will Switzerland play without Embolo and Xhaka? Switzerland is scheduled to play Group Two fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland on September 26 and 29, followed by matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia on October 3 and 6.
Where does Breel Embolo currently play club football? Embolo plays as a striker for American club Atlanta United.
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