Swiss national team captain Granit Xhaka has admitted to using a forged Covid vaccine certificate during the pandemic. The 33-year-old midfielder revealed this on his social media channels on Monday, September 21, 2026. Xhaka stated that he was worried about the Covid-19 vaccination and had deep mistrust regarding the vaccine, leading him to make the wrong choice. He expressed regret and apologized for his actions.
The Swiss Football Association has announced that Xhaka will not join the national team for their upcoming training camp in Belek, Turkey. The team is set to participate in the UEFA Nations League, with their first match against North Macedonia on September 24. The association stated that they welcome Xhaka's decision to clarify the situation and cooperate with the authorities. Swiss FA president Peter Knabel emphasized that the priority now is to calm the situation and focus on the team.
The Lucerne public prosecutor's office is currently investigating Xhaka's use of a forged Covid vaccine certificate. The midfielder stated that he is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. Xhaka's actions have led to him being unavailable for the Swiss national team's upcoming matches. The team will also face Scotland on September 29, and host Slovenia and North Macedonia on October 3 and 6, respectively.
Switzerland's upcoming Nations League fixtures will be played without their captain. The team will reassess the situation with Xhaka at the end of the international window and discuss the next steps. Swiss FA president Peter Knabel stated that the association will focus entirely on the team and the upcoming matches. The situation surrounding Xhaka's actions will likely continue to be monitored.
Xhaka's admission and apology have been seen as a positive step by the Swiss Football Association. The association has emphasized that the priority now is to focus on the team and the upcoming matches. The investigation by the Lucerne public prosecutor's office is ongoing, and Xhaka's future with the national team remains uncertain.
The Swiss national team will face tough opponents in their upcoming Nations League matches. They will play against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia, all of whom are competitive teams. The team's performance in these matches will be crucial in determining their standing in the league.
Xhaka's actions have consequences for both him and the Swiss national team. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be closely watched, and the situation surrounding Xhaka's actions will likely continue to be monitored. The Swiss Football Association has stated that they will reassess the situation with Xhaka at the end of the international window.
Key points
- Swiss captain Granit Xhaka admits to using forged Covid vaccine certificate
- Xhaka to miss Swiss national team's upcoming Nations League matches
- Investigation by Lucerne public prosecutor's office ongoing
