Xhaka Admits Fake COVID Certificate Fraud, Dropped From Switzerland Squad

Xhaka Admits Fake COVID Certificate Fraud, Dropped From Switzerland Squad

The 33-year-old midfielder, who currently captains Sunderland in the Premier League, admitted to the offence in a statement posted on his social media accounts on Monday.

According to reports, Xhaka contracted COVID-19 in 2021 and early 2022 and obtained a vaccination certificate from his doctor without actually being vaccinated. The Swiss newspaper Blick reported that police in Lucerne are investigating both the player and the doctorinvolved.

In his statement, Xhaka explained the emotional state that led to his decision. “At the time, I was deeply unsettled and had serious reservations regarding the Covid-19 vaccination. I harboured a deep mistrust of the vaccine and was gripped by fear and uncertainty.

In that state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of addressing my unresolved questions through the proper channels,” he wrote. “Today, I clearly see that this was the wrong course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry.

I accept responsibility for this decision, am facing the process of addressing the situation, and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities”.

The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka would not be available for the four Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia. SFV president Peter Knäbel said in a statement, “We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step and facing the issue head-on. At the same time, we mutually concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to proceed with this camp without him.

Our priority now is to bring calm to the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming Uefa Nations League matches. Once this international break concludes, we will reassess the situation with Granit and discuss the next steps”.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Lucerne has initiated proceedings against Xhaka. “The investigation aims to determine whether any criminal conduct has occurred in connection with the possible fraudulent procurement of false certifications and/or forgery (Covid-19 certificates). The individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the office stated . Forging documents in Switzerland is punishable by large fines and potentially imprisonment of up to five years.

Xhaka, who was playing for Arsenal at the time of the offence, has been a key figure for Switzerland for over a decade. His admission and subsequent withdrawal from the squad represent a significant blow to the national team as they begin their Nations League campaign.

Sunderland, his current club, has been approached for comment but has not yet issued a statement on the matter.