Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine of £136,265 after admitting to obtaining a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic. The 34-year-old midfielder confirmed the outcome of the investigation on Thursday after Swiss authorities issued a penalty order over the incident, which dates back to 2022 when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal.
According to the decision, Xhaka was given a suspended fine equivalent to 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs, amounting to 150,000 Swiss francs, or approximately £136,265. The punishment comes with a two-year probation period, meaning the fine will only be enforced if he commits another offence during that period. Xhaka has already paid the court costs.
Xhaka addressed the punishment in a statement on social media, reiterating his earlier commitment to accept responsibility for his actions. “A few weeks ago, I spoke personally here and said that I would take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” the Sunderland midfielder said. “After I gave a full statement to the public prosecutor’s office, the public prosecutor’s decision has now been issued.”
The case relates to a COVID-19 vaccination certificate Xhaka obtained during the pandemic while he was still an Arsenal player. The midfielder previously admitted that he had serious reservations about the COVID-19 vaccine at the time and described himself as being in an emotionally unsettled state. Rather than resolving his concerns through the appropriate channels, he obtained a fraudulent vaccination document.
Xhaka later acknowledged that his decision was wrong and apologised. “I now clearly see that this was the wrong course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry,” he said in his earlier statement, while confirming that he was cooperating with the authorities. The revelation also affected his international career in the short term, with Xhaka withdrawing from Switzerland’s squad while prosecutors investigated the matter.
Xhaka missed Switzerland’s recent Nations League fixtures as he provided evidence to prosecutors in Lucerne. Despite his absence, Switzerland won all four of its matches during the period, although his international future remains a subject for discussion following the conclusion of the legal proceedings. The midfielder remains a major figure for his country, being Switzerland’s record men’s international appearance holder with 152 caps.
The latest ruling means the legal case surrounding the fraudulent certificate has reached a conclusion, although the Swiss Football Association is still expected to determine what, if any, further consequences Xhaka could face at international level. For now, the midfielder has accepted the punishment and remains under a two-year probation period, with the suspended fine hanging over him should he commit another offence.
Key points
- Granit Xhaka has been fined £136,265 and given a two-year suspended sentence for obtaining a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
- The punishment comes with a two-year probation period, during which Xhaka will not have to pay the fine unless he commits another offence.
- The incident may still have implications for Xhaka's international career with Switzerland.
