Does the Swiss Football Association take enough care of players with dual citizenship?
This question was asked before the start of the World Cup qualifiers in football, after Leon Avdullahu decided to play for the Kosovo national team instead of continuing for Switzerland.
Before Avdullah's departure, Fiorentina player Eman Kospo had turned his back on the "Shelvets" and now plays for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For Switzerland coach Murat Yakin, one thing is clear.
"We cannot influence the decision. If a player feels that he is more attracted to his family's country, there is nothing we can do," the Swiss coach said in a conversation with "Bluewin".
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Avdullahu has played for all age groups in Switzerland and has been in the plans of the Swiss federation.
"But it's clear. With the transfer to Hoffenheim, his expectations have also increased," says Yakin.
He insists that it is not a good idea to invite a player to be associated with a country. When a player plays a qualifying match with the senior representative team, he loses the right to change national teams.
"This is a decision that matters for a lifetime."
Former Switzerland striker, now football coach, Georges Bregy, agrees.
"The player has to convince himself to play for Switzerland," he says.
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Even with Avdullah's departure, Yakini has plenty of options in central midfield. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he wants to rely on players he knows well and who also know his work and game.
Bregy sees FIFA and UEFA regulations as a major problem.
"If you can play a lot of games in one country and then decide to play for another country, there should be compensation," says the Bluewin analyst.
"I think it's good when a person with dual citizenship says 'I was born here, I work here, I want to play for the national team'."
Yakini rejects the accusation that the Swiss Federation has done little to convince Avdullah or Kospo to play for Switzerland.
"They were in the age groups, they were present at every training session, they were encouraged and developed. They probably also see a lot of competition in the representative team."
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Mich Wegmann, director of "Sport Blue News", sees no problem with players with dual citizenship.
"We have only lost a few players in recent years who would have been a real asset. Ultimately, Avdullahu shouldn't be a big loss either. Honestly, Switzerland has a lot of good players in his position," Wegmann said.
