Breel Embolo was originally set to join Switzerland for its UEFA Nations League matches after Atlanta United’s contest on Saturday against New York City FC.
That was, however, until the Swiss Football Association announced on Friday that it had removed Embolo from the squad. According to Swiss outlet 20 Minuten, he confessed to purchasing forged COVID-19 travel certificates from a member of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club in 2021. He was ordered in 2025 to pay fines but now will face further punishment, being held out of matches against Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
“Breel Embolo has informed the Swiss Football Association (SFV) about the matter concerning his private life that became public in the media today,” the SFV said in a statement. “As a result, the association’s management has decided that the player will not join the team as planned and that the national team will complete its current training camp without him.”
Embolo won’t be the only one out of the squad: captain Granit Xhaka was involved in a similar situation in 2022 and confessed to his decision as well.
After this window, Switzerland’s next Nations League action is scheduled for November 13 (Slovenia; away) and 16 (Scotland; home).
I find it hard to be upset about somebody choosing not to take the blsht vax. And if he thought he found a way to keep his career without the side effect of possibly dying power to him. Non issue for me and now we don’t have to worry about him getting hurt on intl duty
I don’t know. I’m still learning how to like this guy. He’s light years better than latte as a player on this team. But as a character, between not owning up to the mistake for the Argentina red card, the bad rep for diving, the Basel conviction / fine incident and now this… just doesn’t seem like someone I typically want to route for. Josef as an example was outstanding off the field, his passion was fiery but always justifiable.
I’ll hold my breath, but he worries me. I’m wide open for him to prove me wrong and I am begging to be won over. But gaining the system and cheating is just not a good look.
What an Atlanta sports story. Perfect.
What a badass hahaha. Buying a Covid card from Hells Angels is great. I might have to buy an Embolo jersey now.
I guess in good news, we get to keep him in Atlanta and not risk getting hurt on international duty