Switzerland divided over Xhaka and Embolo’s return to the national team

The Swiss Football Association has made its decision. Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will return to Switzerland’s national team for the next training camp. Their recent absence, which was due to individual COVID-19-related scandals, will come to an end in November.

While captain Xhaka obtained forged vaccination certificates, striker Embolo bought a forged travel certificate.

According to the official statement, the association carefully examined the circumstances of both cases.

“We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and appropriate,” said Pierluigi Tami, director of the Swiss national teams. It was also clarified that Xhaka will remain captain. The Swiss Football Association’s decision is raising questions in the community. Opinions differ regarding the return of the two players.

A “Blick” reader poll with more than 5,600 participants shows that 54 percent are clearly against Xhaka and Embolo’s return. They would have preferred a different approach from the association.

Forty-six percent are satisfied with the decision. For this group of “Blick” readers, Xhaka is indispensable. The two sides are also clashing in the comments section.

Many readers are sharply criticizing the decision-makers at the association. Antoine Jeremy Etalon, for example, says that “neither of them should be allowed to play for the national team again.” Markus Spengler is even more critical of the decision.

“The association is simply too cowardly to suspend Xhaka and Embolo. A real disgrace.”

Jean-François Linder recalls Xhaka’s statement. “Didn’t Xhaka want to take full responsibility for his actions? This isn’t how you do it.”

Abigail Muller asks “what kind of message this sends to young players.”

Maurizio Trevisan echoes this sentiment. “They should have been suspended for several years! They are not role models for young football fans.”

Michael Stettler also points out that “from a sporting perspective, this decision may make sense.” “But certainly not for the people of Switzerland. If we legitimize these actions, it will end badly.” Tom Scherrer agrees with Stettler’s comment. “Such behavior should have harsher consequences! Otherwise, Swiss football will become a laughingstock.”

But there are also commenters who think differently. Jurg Egli defended Xhaka and Embolo.

“Absolutely the right decision. I think we need both of them. They are fighters with heart, even if they have made mistakes.” Andy Zimmermann made a similar comment. “Of course, both of them belong on the national team.”

Albert Meier also agrees. “The association made the right decision in the Xhaka and Embolo cases.” In his opinion, a suspension would have been too harsh.

Christoph Jost says that “Xhaka and Embolo were tried and punished by the justice system. That should be the end of it.”

Daniel Meier also says that Xhaka and Embolo have already received their punishment and that it should be left at that.