Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka has publicly apologized for obtaining a fraudulent Covid vaccination certificate during the pandemic. The 33-year-old admitted on his social media channels that he had presented a forged certificate to avoid mandatory vaccination. Xhaka expressed regret for his actions, stating that he was "very worried" about the Covid-19 vaccination and "felt deep mistrust" regarding the vaccine.
As a result of his actions, Xhaka will miss Switzerland's next four Nations League matches. The Swiss Football Association announced that Xhaka would not join the national team for a training camp in Turkey, citing the need to "calm the situation and focus entirely on the team." The association's president, Peter Knabel, emphasized that the decision was made in agreement with the player and that the team's best interest was the priority.
The Lucerne public prosecutor's office is currently investigating Xhaka's use of a forged Covid vaccination certificate. The Swiss Football Association has welcomed Xhaka's decision to take responsibility for his actions and cooperate fully with the authorities. Xhaka's statement acknowledged that he had made a mistake and expressed his apology for his actions.
Switzerland's Nations League campaign begins away to North Macedonia on September 24. The team will also face Scotland on September 29, and host Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne on October 3 and 6, respectively. The Swiss team's priority is to focus on the upcoming matches without Xhaka.
Peter Knabel stated that the situation with Xhaka would be reassessed at the end of the international window. The Swiss Football Association will discuss the next steps with Xhaka after the upcoming matches. The team's goal is to move forward and focus on the Nations League fixtures.
Xhaka's actions have led to an investigation by the Lucerne public prosecutor's office. The midfielder's use of a forged Covid vaccination certificate has raised concerns about his judgment and integrity. Xhaka's apology and cooperation with the authorities may help to mitigate the consequences of his actions.
Switzerland's upcoming Nations League matches against Slovenia on November 13 and Scotland on November 16 will be crucial in determining the team's progress in the competition. The team will need to perform well without Xhaka, who has been an important player for the Swiss national team.
Key points
- Granit Xhaka will miss Switzerland's next four Nations League matches due to using a forged Covid vaccination certificate.
- The Swiss Football Association has announced that Xhaka will not participate in the team's upcoming gathering.
- The Lucerne public prosecutor's office is currently investigating Xhaka's use of a forged Covid vaccination certificate.
