The football world is reeling from a stunning confession: Granit Xhaka, the combative midfielder and captain of Sunderland, has admitted to forging a Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022, a scandal that has rocked his career and seen him withdraw from the Switzerland national squad.
Key Revelations:
- Granit Xhaka openly admitted to obtaining a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
- He cited "deep distrust" and "fear" during a "turbulent emotional state" as his motivation.
- The Sunderland captain has withdrawn from the Switzerland squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
- Swiss authorities in Lucerne are investigating the matter, with a hearing scheduled for next week.
Xhaka, who was then a crucial figure for Arsenal, shared a candid statement on Instagram, expressing deep regret for his actions. He described feeling "personally very uncertain" about the vaccine and grappling with "fear and uncertainty," which led him down the wrong path. "Today I clearly see this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry," he posted, taking full responsibility and pledging cooperation with authorities.
Swiss Authorities Close In
The admission comes amidst a wider, intensified investigation by authorities in Lucerne into a local doctor suspected of issuing numerous fraudulent health documents. Xhaka's name surfaced during this ongoing probe, which began in 2023, linking him directly to the illicit trade.
Next week, the former Gunners star is scheduled to face questioning by the prosecutor’s office. The inquiry aims to establish whether his actions constitute a punishable offense under Swiss law, specifically regarding document forgery and the fraudulent acquisition of certifications. The doctor involved continues to deny any wrongdoing in the case.
What Are the Penalties?
The legal ramifications for Xhaka are substantial, though a severe custodial sentence is considered highly improbable. Swiss law allows for suspended prison sentences and significant financial fines for those found guilty of such forgery. Experts suggest that for a first-time offender in this context, a prison term is a distant possibility.
The Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the investigation’s scope: "The aim is to clarify whether there has been conduct relevant under criminal law in connection with the possible fraudulent obtaining of a false certification and/or document forgery." While the penal code outlines a maximum five-year sentence, general consensus points to a less drastic outcome for the football star.
A Blow to Club and Country
This scandal hits at a particularly sensitive time for Xhaka, a veteran of 152 international caps and a key leader for Switzerland. His mutual decision to withdraw from the national squad means he will miss critical UEFA Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia. The Swiss team will now have to navigate these crucial matches without their most experienced midfield general.
Meanwhile, his current club, Sunderland, where he arrived in 2025 after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, has chosen to maintain a cautious distance. The Black Cats have refrained from formal comment, noting that the incident occurred during Xhaka's tenure at Arsenal. This stance subtly shifts the historical context of the controversy away from the Stadium of Light, emphasizing that the club was not involved at the time of the offense.
