Noah Okafor's exile from the Switzerland national team set-up has sparked a war of words, with Granit Xhaka now wading in.
Richard Garnett Central Audience Sport Content Editor
12:17, 12 Nov 2025
Noah Okafor has not represented Switzerland for 12 months
View 2 Images
Noah Okafor has not represented Switzerland for 12 months(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has told Noah Okafor that now is the time to "keep your mouth shut and work" after the Leeds United star went publicly ranted about his ongoing omission from the Switzerland national team squad.
The £18m Leeds United summer signing from AC Milan was not named in Murat Yakin's 24-man group for the two pending World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo.
Okafor has not had a call-up for almost a year and went on record to vent his frustration at what he sees as a lack of communication on the part of the national team.
Having not played for Switzerland since a 3-2 Nations League defeat to Spain on November 18, 2024, Okafor told the New York Times: "Since then, I never spoke with the coach, not even a phone call or a message, also with the (national team) sporting director Pierluigi Tami. They don't even call me or ask me.
"For me, it makes no sense. I can say it makes me sad because they don't even text me or call me to see how I am. For example, when I moved to Leeds - 'Congrats' or something like that - because I play now in the best league in the world."
Prior to Okafor's explosive interview last week, Switzerland captain Xhaka spoke to the 25-year-old about his situation. The Sunderland midfielder told Blick: "I had a phone conversation with Noah before his interview. Naturally, the national team was also a topic of discussion. It's difficult for me to comment on this issue without knowing all the details.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka
View 2 Images
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka(Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)
"He was given opportunities at the European Championship and the World Cup. Personally, I would realistically assess the situation; 'Why am I not making it? Why am I not in the squad'?
"I think it's good to maintain contact. Noah has great potential, which he hasn't shown often enough in recent years. Now at Leeds, he's coming into his own. The league suits him.
"Of course, there are others who have stood out even more. Dan Ndoye, for example, has made a tremendous leap in Nottingham. As things stand, he's indispensable for the national team.
"[Ruben] Vargas is incredibly important; he scores goals and plays in Sevilla, and he has assists. The current statistics speak for themselves.
"Nevertheless, Noah could play a role in the future if he gets a better handle on certain things. Sometimes you have to look down, keep your mouth shut, and work.
"That applies to everyone - including me. In the end, performance on the pitch is what matters."
Leeds United knock up to 50% off kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various
Leeds United
Shop the sale here
Leeds United have slashed up to 50% off select kits and merch on their official club store, including this season's home shirt.
Okafor has made eight Premier League appearances for Leeds so far this season, scoring twice, as Daniel Farke's side struggles to keep away from the relegation zone.
Article continues below
Switzerland's national teams director Pierluigi Tami also waded in on the row on Tuesday. When asked by reporters about the situation in a press conference, he said: "This statement is not welcome. The timing is wrong, the form is wrong. If a player has a problem with a coach, he should only speak to him. You can always call him, talk to him," before banding his fist on the desk in front of him.
"I have no understanding for what he did. He needs to have patience and humility. And above all, he must put the team before his personal problems. The national team must come before everything."