Sports · Football · 5 hrs ago
Embolo returns to Switzerland squad after Covid-affair dispute
Switzerland has recalled striker Breel Embolo after leaving him out of the national team in September.
The decision followed a Covid-related controversy after a criminal order became public.
Embolo said he was vaccinated three times and called his omission hurtful.
Director Pierluigi Tami says the omission was meant to protect the team, not punish Embolo, ahead of four important Nations League matches.
He said the controversy risked distracting the squad from its sporting focus.
Embolo has returned to the training camp in St. Gallen, and Tami said he appeared in good spirits.
The team plans one more conversation with Embolo to explain the decision and close the matter before matches against Slovenia and Scotland.
Breel Embolo has returned to Switzerland’s national team squad after being left out in September following a Covid-related controversy.
Swiss Football Association director Pierluigi Tami said the September decision was intended to protect the team, not punish Embolo.
Embolo had criticised the decision, saying it was hurtful and that his case differed from Granit Xhaka’s because he was vaccinated three times.
Tami said Embolo arrived at the team camp in a positive mood and that a further conversation would take place to close the matter.
Switzerland is set to play Slovenia and Scotland.
- Who
- Breel Embolo, Switzerland striker, and the Swiss Football Association.
- What
- Embolo has returned to the national squad after being left out in September. The association says the decision was intended to protect the team.
- When
- He returned to the squad on Monday; the article was published on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- The national team camp in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- Why
- Tami said the association wanted to keep controversy over the Covid affair from affecting the team before four important Nations League matches.
Breel Embolo
Swiss Football Association
September omission
Breel Embolo
Embolo said the decision was hurtful and that his case differed from Granit Xhaka’s because he was vaccinated three times.
Swiss Football Association
Tami said the decision was not directed against Embolo but was made for the team.
Reason for the decision
Breel Embolo
Embolo said he could not understand why he was left out after a penalty order became public.
Swiss Football Association
Tami said the team wanted to protect its sporting focus amid discussion of a sensitive issue.
Embolo was not called up after a penalty order related to the Covid affair became public.
Embolo returned to Switzerland’s national team camp in St. Gallen.
20 Minuten published Tami’s comments defending the September decision.
Tami said a conversation with Embolo would take place to close the matter.
- Player
- Breel Embolo
- Association director
- Pierluigi Tami
- Squad return
- Monday, at the national team camp in St. Gallen
- Upcoming opponents
- Slovenia and Scotland
- Vaccination
- Embolo said he had been vaccinated three times
- Outlet publication date
- 10 November 2026
What people are saying
It was not against Breel, it was for the team.
We were a few days away from four important Nations League matches and wanted to protect the team.
I have already seen Breel. He came with a big smile.
For me, it was hurtful.