Xhaka apologises after admitting fake Covid vaccination certificate (2022)

Granit Xhaka, the captain of Sunderland and Switzerland, has been left out of the national squad after admitting he obtained a fake Covid vaccination certificate back in 2022, when he was still playing for Arsenal. The midfielder has apologised for his “mistake” and said he will cooperate with the relevant authorities.

Out of Switzerland duty

As The Guardian reports, Xhaka will miss Switzerland’s upcoming Nations League matches. The move comes while the Lucerne cantonal prosecutor’s office considers whether to open criminal proceedings connected to allegations involving a doctor in the city, accused of providing a series of false Covid certificates during the pandemic.

In an Instagram statement, Xhaka said he decided not to get vaccinated at the time and described that he was deeply uncertain and fearful about the jab. He admitted that, instead of addressing his concerns through the proper channels, he obtained a certificate “in this turbulent emotional state”. “Today I clearly see this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision… and am co-operating with the relevant authorities”, The Guardian quotes from his message.

Lucerne questioning ahead

The outlet also states that Xhaka is expected to be questioned next week. Prosecutors say the aim is to clarify whether conduct relevant under criminal law occurred in relation to possible fraudulent obtaining of false certification and/or document forgery. The doctor, first investigated in 2023, denies the accusations.

From a football perspective, Xhaka — capped 152 times by Switzerland — will therefore miss the Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland away, and against Slovenia plus North Macedonia at home.