Football Scandal: Xhaka Confesses To Fake Covid Certificate As Swiss Probe Continues

Sunderland midfielder and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has admitted obtaining a Covid-19 vaccination certificate without receiving the vaccine, prompting an ongoing investigation by authorities in Switzerland.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the 33-year-old footballer publicly acknowledged the incident and apologised for his actions, saying he takes responsibility and will cooperate fully with the authorities handling the case. Xhaka said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, he had serious doubts and concerns about the vaccine before obtaining the vaccination certificate.

Swiss prosecutors in Lucerne had already opened proceedings concerning the certificate. The investigation is focused on whether a criminal offence was committed in connection with the alleged acquisition of false Covid documentation. The doctor linked to the certificate has also been subject to proceedings and has denied the allegations. Xhaka is presumed innocent unless and until any criminal wrongdoing is established.

In a statement, Xhaka described his decision as a mistake and expressed regret over his actions. He also confirmed that he would cooperate with investigators as the authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the certificate.

Following discussions with the Swiss Football Association, Xhaka will not join the national team for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The decision was reportedly reached jointly with the federation, with the situation expected to be reviewed after the current international window.

The development comes after Swiss authorities confirmed that an investigation involving Xhaka had been opened over a potentially falsified Covid certificate. Prosecutors said the proceedings were intended to determine whether the circumstances amounted to offences involving false certification or document forgery.

Xhaka, who has earned 152 international caps for Switzerland, is therefore set to miss the national team’s upcoming Nations League matches while the matter is being addressed. The Swiss Football Association has left further decisions regarding his international future until after the current fixtures.