Granit Xhaka Admits Fake Covid Certificate Use, Withdraws

Granit Xhaka has pulled out of the Switzerland squad after acknowledging that he obtained a fraudulent Covid vaccination certificate in 2022. The Sunderland and Swiss captain, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, has apologised for his decision and will miss his nation’s next four Nations League fixtures.

Xhaka is expected to be interviewed by prosecutors in Lucerne next week as they consider whether to open criminal proceedings. The investigation concerns allegations that a doctor in the Swiss city issued several false Covid certificates during the pandemic. The doctor, who came under investigation in 2023, has rejected the accusations.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Xhaka confirmed that he had chosen not to receive the vaccination. He said recent reports had brought up an issue from his past that he wanted to address directly. Xhaka explained that he had serious doubts about the Covid-19 vaccine at the time and felt overwhelmed by mistrust, fear and uncertainty.

Xhaka admitted that, while in a highly emotional state, he acquired a vaccination certificate rather than seeking proper answers to his concerns. He now recognises that the decision was wrong, has apologised and accepted responsibility. He also said he is helping investigators and co-operating fully with the relevant authorities. Xhaka tested positive for Covid in September 2022 and did not play in Switzerland’s international fixtures that month. The midfielder is currently 33 and will turn 34 on Sunday.

A representative of the Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation would determine whether the suspected fraudulent acquisition of a false certificate or possible document forgery amounted to a criminal offence.

If formally charged, Xhaka could receive a substantial fine and, in theory, a prison term of up to five years. However, a custodial sentence is considered highly unlikely.

As the incident dates back to Xhaka’s time with Arsenal in 2022, Sunderland have declined to comment. The midfielder departed the north London club for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 before moving to the Stadium of Light two years later.

Xhaka has made 152 appearances for Switzerland and is now set to miss the upcoming Nations League away games against North Macedonia and Scotland, along with home fixtures against Slovenia and North Macedonia.