Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is facing a criminal investigation in Switzerland for obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The 33-year-old Switzerland captain admitted to the offence on Instagram, issuing a public apology for his actions. Xhaka's decision to obtain a fraudulent certificate has sparked a probe by the public prosecutor's office in the Swiss city of Lucerne.
Xhaka's Instagram apology revealed that he had deep distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine and was affected by fear and uncertainty during the pandemic. He admitted that he obtained a vaccination certificate instead of having his unanswered questions clarified through the proper channels. Xhaka expressed remorse for his actions, stating that it was a mistake and that he would cooperate fully with authorities.
The controversy surrounding Xhaka's fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate stems from suspicions surrounding a female doctor based in Lucerne. The doctor is alleged to have issued vaccination certificates to individuals without actually administering the jabs, but has denied the allegations. Swiss police raided her clinic in 2023, seizing evidence as part of a wider investigation involving multiple individuals believed to have obtained fraudulent certificates.
Under Swiss law, document forgery carries severe consequences, with penalties ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment of up to five years. Investigators are looking at whether Xhaka secured documentation falsely confirming he had been vaccinated. The prosecutor's office aims to determine whether any conduct amounts to a criminal offence, including obtaining incorrect official proof or document forgery related to coronavirus certificates.
Xhaka is expected to appear before the prosecutor's office next month to present his account of events. He has withdrawn from Switzerland's upcoming Nations League matches as he prepares to face the consequences of his actions. The midfielder currently plays for Sunderland, having previously played for Arsenal and German club Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka's experience with COVID-19 is well-documented, having tested positive for the virus in September 2021 and missing three international matches for Switzerland. At the time the certificate was allegedly obtained, Xhaka was still playing for Arsenal. His decision to reject Chelsea's summer approach in favour of Sunderland's long-term project has also been highlighted.
Xhaka's case highlights the severity of COVID-19 vaccination certificate forgery and the consequences of such actions. The investigation is ongoing, and Xhaka's cooperation with authorities will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome of the case.
Key points
- Xhaka faces up to five years in prison for obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
- The investigation aims to determine whether Xhaka's actions amount to a criminal offence.
- Xhaka has apologized for his actions and will cooperate fully with authorities.
