Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Switzerland striker Breel Embolo is racing to secure a U.S. visa after being prevented from travelling with the national team to the FIFA World Cup due to complications arising from a past criminal conviction.
Embolo attended an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Bern on Wednesday after his ESTA travel authorisation came under review shortly before Switzerland’s squad flew to California on Tuesday. The Swiss Football Federation (SFV) said American authorities are treating his visa application as a priority.
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“The Embassy informed us that the application is being processed as a priority,” the federation said. “Breel and the team are now awaiting approval so that he can travel to San Diego and join the squad as soon as possible.”
The matter relates to a 2018 altercation in Basel. Embolo was convicted of making multiple threats and received a suspended fine, with an appeals court upholding the verdict last year. The ruling became legally binding in April.
The SFV said U.S. officials requested court documents connected to the case and sought clarification on whether physical violence was involved.
“The Embassy’s inquiries focused specifically on whether any physical violence had been involved. This was not the case,” the federation said.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said travellers using the Visa Waiver Program must disclose any criminal history and can be required to apply for a visa if they do not qualify for ESTA approval.
A spokesperson for the Swiss team noted that Embolo travelled to the United States without issue during an international tour in June 2025.
The 29-year-old is expected to lead Switzerland’s attack at the World Cup, having scored 24 goals in 86 appearances for his country.
Switzerland open their Group B campaign against Qatar on June 13 in Santa Clara before facing Bosnia-Herzegovina in Inglewood. Their final group-stage match is against co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 24.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
