Swiss Football Star Breel Embolo Denied US Entry Over Past Altercation

The Swiss Football Association announced on Tuesday that Breel Embolo, the striker for the Swiss national team, did not travel with the squad to the United States for a football event because his electronic travel authorization was placed under review.

In an official statement, the Swiss Football Association said, "Unfortunately, Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team. His electronic travel authorization was valid until this morning. However, at 10:30 local time, we were informed that his application was subjected to additional review."

The association added, "We are in direct contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will travel later today or tomorrow and join the team then."

A team spokesperson, who was on the flight to Los Angeles, told Reuters that Switzerland had previously traveled to the US for matches against Mexico and the United States, during which Embolo had been allowed entry.

The issue surrounding Embolo arises after a Swiss court ruling related to a 2018 fight in Basel became final nine months ago. In 2023, the Stade Rennais forward was convicted of issuing multiple threats and was sentenced to a suspended fine. This ruling was upheld on appeal after judges rejected his account of the incident. Swiss media reported in April that Embolo chose not to appeal to the Federal Court, making the verdict final.

Switzerland is set to compete in Group B of the World Cup alongside host nation Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. Their opening match is scheduled for June 12 in Toronto against Canada.