Granit Xhaka, the 33-year-old captain of the Swiss national football team, is under investigation by the public prosecutor’s office in Lucerne regarding allegations that he obtained a false or forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The certificate was allegedly acquired in 2022, when such documentation was required in Switzerland for certain travel and access to various venues and activities, though no general legal mandate existed for Swiss citizens to obtain one.
In a statement released on social media, Xhaka acknowledged acquiring the certificate and expressed regret over his decision. He stated that his actions stemmed from distrust of the vaccine and being influenced by concerns and uncertainty, but that he now recognizes the approach was incorrect. The midfielder, currently with Sunderland and previously with Arsenal, pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and take responsibility for the decision.
The Swiss office of public health clarified that Covid-19 certificates were necessary for access to activities, venues, and international travel during the period in question. Such measures remained in effect until spring 2022, after which certificates continued to be issued primarily to meet entry requirements for those traveling outside Switzerland.
The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka had withdrawn from upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia, with the decision made jointly by the player and management. The federation stated they would reassess Xhaka’s future with the team following the international window. Xhaka holds the record for Switzerland appearances with 152 caps and captained the nation at the World Cup earlier this year.
Precedent exists for consequences in similar cases. Patrick Fischer, Switzerland’s ice hockey coach at the time, was found guilty in 2023 of using a fake Covid-19 certificate to work at the Beijing Winter Olympics, receiving a fine of 38,000 Swiss francs and subsequently facing dismissal and international competition bans.
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