June 5 – Switzerland forward Breel Embolo has been cleared to travel to the United States for the World Cup following the approval of his ESTA visa.
On Tuesday, the striker did not travel with the Swiss squad because his Esta – an automated system that determines if an international visitor is eligible to enter the US without a traditional visa – had been placed under review.
“We have just been informed that Breel Embolo’s visa has been approved,” said a statement from the Switzerland football federation. “He will therefore be able to travel to the United States. He is expected to join the team on Friday evening.”
American authorities reviewed his ESTA authorisation because of a Swiss court ruling following an altercation in Basel in 2018. Three years ago, he was convicted in court of making multiple threats and handed a suspended fine.
Last June, Embolo did play on US soil against the US and Mexico, but in the meantime the verdict became final and the striker decided to not appeal.
He attended an appointment at the US Embassy in Bern on Wednesday prior to receiving approval.
Embolo will playing in his third World Cup. Switzerland play Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and co-hosts Canada in the group phase.
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