Granit Xhaka under investigation in Switzerland over allegedly forged Covid-19 certificate

Swiss prosecutors in Lucerne have opened an investigation into Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka over an alleged forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder, who was at Arsenal when the incident took place in 2022, has admitted his actions and apologised publicly. He has decided to step away from the Swiss squad for the current international break.

• Prosecutors in Lucerne are looking into whether Xhaka obtained a false or forged Covid-19 certificate in 2022.
• The Switzerland international has admitted he bought the document because he did not trust the vaccine.
• Xhaka has withdrawn from the Swiss squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
• He is Switzerland's most-capped player with 152 appearances.
• Sunderland have declined to comment on the allegations against their midfielder.

What Swiss prosecutors are investigating about Xhaka

The public prosecutor's office in Lucerne has confirmed it is checking whether any criminal behaviour took place in obtaining a certificate described as false or forged. The investigation relates to events in 2022, a period when Switzerland still had pandemic restrictions in place and the health pass remained a common requirement for travel to certain destinations.

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health pointed out that there was never a general legal requirement to hold such a certificate, but it was essential for access to many activities, venues and international trips. Anyone without one faced restrictions on public life. These measures remained in force in Switzerland until spring 2022, after which the certificate continued to be issued mainly to help people meet entry rules abroad.

The Swiss captain's public apology

Xhaka posted a statement on social media explaining that his decision was driven by uncertainty. The footballer from Basel admitted that at the time he felt distrust towards the vaccine and allowed his worries and confusion to shape his actions. He said it was in that troubled state of mind that he chose to obtain a certificate rather than addressing his unanswered questions through the proper channels.

Today I see clearly, that this way was not correct. It was a mistake. I'm sorry.

The midfielder accepted responsibility for his decision and promised to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities. His statement has generated major attention in Switzerland, where Xhaka is a high-profile public figure and a leading voice in the national game.

Xhaka steps away from the Switzerland squad for the Nations League

The Swiss Football Association announced that the player is withdrawing from the camp ahead of the Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia. The decision, the governing body confirmed, was taken jointly by Xhaka and the management. Once the international window is over, the federation plans to discuss his future with the team.

Switzerland have away fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland on 26 and 29 September, followed by home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October. Missing Xhaka is a significant blow for the head coach, as the Sunderland player is the most capped footballer in the history of the Swiss national team.

Xhaka's record with Switzerland and Sunderland's silence

Xhaka, born in Basel in 1992, has won 152 caps for Switzerland, making him the country's most-capped men's international. He captained the team at the World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Argentina. His international career includes several European Championships and World Cups, and his leadership inside the Swiss dressing room is unquestioned.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris refused to comment on the case after his side's defeat at Manchester City on Sunday. The French manager said it was not his area to discuss those situations and that his focus is football, where Xhaka performs at a very high level. The English club has not issued any official statement on the matter.

Xhaka spent seven seasons at Arsenal before moving back to the Bundesliga and later signing for Sunderland, where he has become a key figure in midfield. His influence stretches far beyond the pitch, as his voice carries significant weight in Swiss football.

What the case could mean for Xhaka's career

The investigation is still at a preliminary stage in which prosecutors must establish whether the facts constitute a criminal offence. In Switzerland, the falsification of health certificates can lead to administrative penalties and, depending on the severity, fines or even custodial sentences. The fact that Xhaka has acknowledged his responsibility and expressed a willingness to cooperate with the justice system could play a role in the final outcome.

His immediate international future is uncertain. The Swiss Football Association plans to hold talks with the player once the September and October fixtures are completed. While the investigation remains ongoing, Xhaka is expected to stay away from the national team to avoid distractions.