World Cup star blocked from travelling to United States days before tournament start

A World Cup star has been blocked from travelling with the rest of his squad to the United States ahead of the tournament.

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo, who now plays his club football for Ligue 1 side Rennes after spells with Basel, Schalke, Borussia Monchengladbach and Monaco, is his nation's top scorer among active players.

He is also Switzerland's fifth captain and is expected to play a leading role for Murat Yakin's side this summer.

The 29-year-old was named as one of six forwards in Switzerland's final 26-man squad last month.

But as the squad prepared to board a flight to the US on Tuesday morning, Embolo had to stay behind after an unexpected hold-up.

Reuters report that his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - a waiver form which prevents the need to have a visa for short-term visits - was 'placed under review' shortly before take-off.

It is claimed by Swiss national media that Embolo's ESTA had been approved on the morning of the take-off, but that he was consequently not permitted to fly.

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) are in contact with authorities.

In a statement, the association said: "Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team.

"His ESTA authorisation had been approved until this morning. However, at 10:30am, we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed under further review.

"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 issue comes after Embolo was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and handed a suspended fine, following a 2018 altercation in Basel. It was reported that the forward decided not to take the case to the Federal Court.

More to follow...