Switzerland's Embolo cleared to join team in the US

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo is set to join his national team in the United States on Friday, having received approval for a visa that had previously delayed his departure for the World Cup. The Swiss Football Federation confirmed the development on Thursday.

Embolo was unable to board the team's flight to California on Tuesday. His ESTA travel authorization was subjected to further review just hours before departure, forcing him to remain in Switzerland while the rest of the squad traveled to their training base in San Diego.

"We have just been informed that Breel Embolo's visa has been approved. He will therefore be able to travel to the United States. He is expected to join the team on Friday evening," the federation stated. The 29-year-old player had attended an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Bern on Wednesday. American authorities had requested additional checks related to a legal case stemming from a 2018 altercation in Basel.

According to the Swiss federation, U.S. officials sought court documents concerning the case after learning that a 2023 conviction for making multiple threats, which resulted in a suspended fine, had become legally binding earlier this year.

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We have just been informed that Breel Embolo's visa has been approved. He will therefore be able to travel to the United States. He is expected to join the team on Friday evening