Granit Xhaka Withdraws from Switzerland Squad After Vaccine Certificate Admission
Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from the Switzerland squad after admitting he obtained a Covid-19 vaccination certificate during 2022 rather than resolving his concerns through official channels.
Xhaka accepts responsibility
The midfielder said he had been deeply uncertain about the vaccine while playing for Arsenal in 2022 and had acted out of fear and mistrust.
In a personal statement, Xhaka said he now recognised that securing the certificate had been the wrong decision. He apologised, accepted responsibility and said he would assist the investigation.
The Switzerland captain’s departure from the national setup was agreed with the Swiss FA, allowing him to concentrate on the legal case.
Lucerne investigation gathers pace
Prosecutors in Lucerne are examining a suspected network involving a local doctor accused of producing multiple false certificates. The wider inquiry has been running since 2023, and Xhaka’s case emerged during that investigation.
The doctor has denied wrongdoing. Xhaka is due to be questioned by the Lucerne prosecutor’s office next week, with investigators seeking to establish whether the acquisition of the certificate amounts to a criminal offence under Swiss document-forgery laws.
- The investigation concerns the possible fraudulent obtaining of a false certificate.
- Authorities are also considering potential document forgery.
- Xhaka has said he is cooperating fully with the relevant officials.
- A hearing is expected in October.
Possible punishment and Switzerland impact
Swiss law allows for a maximum sentence of five years in cases involving forgery, although a prison term is regarded as unlikely for a first-time offender in these circumstances. A suspended sentence remains possible, while substantial fines could also be imposed.
Switzerland will be without their most capped and experienced leader for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia. Xhaka has collected 152 international appearances.
Sunderland yet to respond
Sunderland, Xhaka’s club since his 2025 move following his Bayer Leverkusen spell, have not issued a formal statement.
The Black Cats have pointed out that the matter dates back to his Arsenal period, leaving Xhaka to address the legal process ahead of the October hearing.
