Granit Xhaka was pulled from the Switzerland squad after he admitted to obtaining a fake Covid certificate in 2022.
The Sunderland and Switzerland captain, who was appearing for Arsenal at the time, has tendered an apology for what he called a “mistake.”
Xhaka is set to appear before the prosecutor’s office in Lucerne next week, where the decision will be made against him to proceed with the criminal proceedings.
He allegedly received a series of fictitious Covid certificates from a Swiss doctor during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The doctor in question, who was investigated by the Swiss authorities in 2023, has denied any wrongdoings.
Following Sunderland’s 5-3 Premier League loss at Manchester City on Sunday, September 20, Xhaka shared a statement via Instagram Story, acknowledging that he had decided not to be vaccinated against the virus.
“In recent days there has been much reporting about a matter from my past. I would like to address this personally,” Xhaka wrote.
“At the time, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns regarding the Covid-19 vacination. I felt distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty,” he explained.
“In this turbulent emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels,” Xhaka continued while adding context to the controversy.
Then, he went on to admit that he indeed got a fake vaccination certificate. “Today I clearly see that this was the wrong approach. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.”
Xhaka tested positive for Covid while on an international assignment five years ago.
The Swiss authorities officially launched a criminal probe after police seized evidence from a doctor’s practice in Lucerne.
If charged, Xhaka could face a hefty fine or, in theory, a five-year imprisonment.
2026-09-21 17:55:00
