Breel Embolo misses Switzerland World Cup flight over travel issue
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo has been blocked from travelling to the United States with his World Cup squad after his electronic travel authorisation was suddenly placed under review on Tuesday.
The Swiss football federation confirmed the striker was unable to board the team’s scheduled flight to Los Angeles.
His travel permit had been approved until Tuesday morning before authorities unexpectedly flagged the document for further assessment.
“We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and join the squad then,” the federation stated.
A team spokesperson noted that the goalscorer had previously been granted entry to the US without any complications.
Opening fixtures approach
The national side are currently finalising their preparations for the upcoming tournament in North America.
They have been drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.
Their opening fixture will see them face the Canadians in Toronto on 12 June.
South Africa face similar disruption
The Swiss frontman is not the only participant to encounter administrative hurdles ahead of the global showcase.
South Africa were forced to delay their departure to the US from Sunday to Monday due to unresolved visa complications.
Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Sports Minister, took to social media to describe the situation as an embarrassing administrative error from team officials.
The South African Football Association held an emergency meeting over the weekend to resolve the disruption with assistance from foreign ministries.
Return to the global stage
This recent visa debacle follows previous scrutiny of the African nation’s management during their qualification campaign.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena previously featured in a match against Lesotho despite serving a suspension, which led to a forfeited victory.
Despite that deduction, the team successfully navigated their group to qualify for their first finals appearance since hosting the event in 2010.
They will begin their Group A campaign against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on 11 June, before facing the Czech Republic and South Korea.