Switzerland international footballer Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine of £136,265 after admitting to forging a COVID-19 vaccination certificate while playing for Arsenal in 2022. The 34-year-old revealed the outcome of the investigation after previously admitting that he had forged the vaccination certificate. Xhaka was sentenced to a suspended fine of 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately £2,725 per day.
The suspended fine means Xhaka will not be required to pay the fine provided he commits no further offenses during a two-year probationary period. In a statement posted on social media, Xhaka accepted responsibility for his actions and confirmed that he had provided a full statement to prosecutors. He also stated that he had already paid the court costs. Xhaka's actions were described as a "deep mistrust" and "serious reservations" about the COVID-19 vaccination.
Xhaka admitted in September that he had forged the vaccination certificate while experiencing what he described as a "state of emotional turmoil." The revelation resulted in Xhaka being left out of Switzerland's squad for the following international break while the investigation continued. Swiss Football Association president Peter Knabel subsequently confirmed that Xhaka would miss matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia.
The incident dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was still playing for Arsenal and COVID-related restrictions remained in force in several countries. During that period, travel and entry requirements varied significantly, with some countries and institutions requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Xhaka later left Arsenal in 2023 to join Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed a highly successful spell.
Xhaka helped the German club win the Bundesliga and German Cup before returning to England with Sunderland in 2025. He is now captain of Sunderland and has started all five of the club's Premier League matches this season. Despite the off-field controversy surrounding his previous actions, the midfielder remains an important figure for both club and country.
Xhaka is also Switzerland's most capped men's international of all time, underlining his status as one of the country's most prominent footballers. The midfielder's actions have been widely reported, and he has accepted responsibility for his mistakes. The investigation into Xhaka's actions was conducted by Lucerne's Public Prosecutor's Office.
Lucerne's Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed that a penalty order had been issued but said it could not comment further because the proceedings had not yet been finalized. Xhaka's case highlights the challenges and complexities surrounding COVID-19 vaccination policies and the consequences of forging vaccination certificates.
Key points
- Granit Xhaka handed a suspended fine of £136,265 for forging a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
- The fine is suspended for two years, provided Xhaka commits no further offenses.
- Xhaka is currently captain of Sunderland and Switzerland's most capped men's international of all time.
