Xhaka investigated over alleged forged Covid-19 certificate

Granit Xhaka, the captain of Switzerland, is being investigated by Swiss prosecutors after allegations he obtained a “false or forged” Covid-19 vaccination certificate, BBC Sport reports.

The probe was confirmed by the public prosecutor’s office in Lucerne, which says it is looking into whether any criminal behaviour took place in obtaining the document. The matter is alleged to date back to 2022, when the certificate was required in Switzerland for some travel abroad.

Xhaka’s statement

The 33-year-old, who at the time was playing for Arsenal, posted a statement on social media on Monday. In it, he says he has a “mistrust” towards the vaccine and was “influenced by worries and uncertainty.” He also acknowledges it was a mistake, adding that he will take part in establishing the facts and fully cooperate with the relevant authorities, as quoted by BBC Sport.

Impact on his international future

Switzerland’s public health office noted there was never a blanket legal obligation to hold such a certificate. However, it was needed for access to certain activities and venues and for travel, meaning participation was limited for those without one. Those rules were in place until spring 2022, after which certificates continued mainly to help with foreign entry requirements.

The Swiss Football Association said Xhaka withdrew from the national team camp for upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia. The decision to step away was made jointly by the player and the management, and the two sides will discuss his future after the international window.

At club level, Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris declined to comment on the allegations following the Black Cats’ defeat at Manchester City. “It is not my area to speak about those problems or situations… My area is football,” he said, adding that Xhaka is “really good” at it. BBC Sport also reminds that Xhaka captained Switzerland at the World Cup earlier this year, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Argentina.