The public prosecutor’s office in Lucerne confirmed that an investigation is under way to determine whether Granit Xhaka, the 33‑year‑old captain of the Swiss national football team, obtained a false or forged Covid‑19 vaccination certificate in 2022, when such documentation was required for certain travel abroad.
Xhaka, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, posted a statement on social media apologising for his actions, saying he was “influenced by worries and uncertainty” and that acquiring the certificate was a mistake made in a “troubled state of mind”. He added that he would cooperate fully with the authorities and take responsibility for his decision.
The Swiss Office of Public Health noted that while there was never a blanket legal requirement for a Covid‑19 certificate, the document was needed for access to specific venues, activities and international travel until the spring of 2022, after which certificates continued to be issued mainly for overseas travel purposes.
The Swiss Football Association said Xhaka, who holds the national record with 152 caps, had withdrawn from the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia, a decision made jointly by the player and team management. The association said it would discuss his future after the international window.
Xhaka’s case follows a similar incident involving former Swiss ice‑hockey coach Patrick Fischer, who was fined 38,000 Swiss francs in 2023 for using a fake Covid‑19 certificate. Fischer was later dismissed from his role and received a four‑year ban from the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Category: Sports
Related Video: Dolly Parton’s Family Announces Her Passing in Emotional Tribute
Related Explainer: Why the BCG Vaccine Leaves That Small Scar on Your Arm
Facebook
Twitter / X
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
Telegram
Reddit