Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has admitted to obtaining a Covid-19 vaccination certificate without receiving the vaccine. In a public statement on Monday, September 21, the 33-year-old midfielder acknowledged that he obtained the certificate during the pandemic due to uncertainty and distrust surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine. Xhaka described the decision as a mistake and expressed regret for his actions. He will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities during the investigation.
The Lucerne public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the certificate. Authorities are examining whether criminal offences, including the possible acquisition of false certification or document forgery, were committed. Under Swiss law, the offences being considered can carry a maximum prison sentence of five years. However, reports indicate that a custodial sentence is considered unlikely in Xhaka's case. The investigation remains ongoing, and the legal process has not resulted in a conviction.
Xhaka has withdrawn from Switzerland's upcoming international camp as authorities investigate the matter. The midfielder and the Swiss Football Association mutually agreed that he would not join the national team for its upcoming Nations League fixtures. Swiss FA president Peter Knäbel welcomed Xhaka's decision to take responsibility but said the team needed to focus on its preparations without the midfielder.
The Swiss Football Association plans to reassess the situation after the international window. Xhaka is expected to appear before the Lucerne public prosecutor's office in early October. The investigation reportedly relates to a certificate allegedly issued without the corresponding vaccination being administered. A doctor connected to the case is also reportedly under investigation.
Xhaka was playing for Arsenal during the Covid-19 pandemic before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. He later helped the German club win the Bundesliga and German Cup under Xabi Alonso before joining Sunderland. The midfielder's latest statement came a day after Sunderland's 5-3 defeat to Manchester City, following which he declined to comment on the investigation.
Xhaka's situation has raised concerns about the integrity of Covid-19 vaccination certificates. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the issue of fake vaccination certificates and the consequences for those found guilty. The Swiss Football Association has emphasized that it takes such matters seriously and will cooperate fully with the authorities.
The investigation into Xhaka's actions is ongoing, and the midfielder is expected to face questioning in October. The outcome of the investigation and any potential consequences for Xhaka will be closely watched by the football community and beyond.
Key points
- Granit Xhaka faces a maximum prison sentence of five years for obtaining a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
- Xhaka has withdrawn from Switzerland's upcoming international camp amid the investigation.
- The Swiss Football Association plans to reassess Xhaka's situation after the international window.
