Granit Xhaka Under Criminal Investigation for Forged Covid Certificate
Granit Xhaka, the captain and heartbeat of Switzerland’s national team, is under criminal investigation in his home country over allegations he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
The public prosecutor’s office in the city of Lucerne has confirmed it is examining whether the 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder, who was at Arsenal at the time, committed an offence by acquiring what it describes as a “false or forged” certificate in 2022.
A captain under scrutiny
In Switzerland, there was never a blanket legal obligation to hold a Covid certificate. Life still narrowed without one. Access to certain venues, events and, crucially for an international footballer, some forms of travel depended on it. Those rules remained in place domestically until spring 2022, with certificates continuing after that mainly to satisfy entry requirements abroad.
It is in that context that Xhaka is alleged to have obtained the forged document. Prosecutors are now working to establish exactly how and under what circumstances it was acquired, and whether criminal behaviour was involved.
The case places the country’s record appearance holder – 152 caps and counting – at the centre of a storm that extends far beyond the pitch.
Xhaka’s admission and apology
On Monday, Xhaka moved first. In a candid statement on social media, he admitted he had not trusted the vaccine and allowed fear to dictate his choices.
He spoke of “mistrust” towards the Covid-19 vaccine and said he had been “influenced by worries and uncertainty”. Instead of seeking proper medical advice, he said, he chose a shortcut.
“In this troubled state of mind I acquired a vaccine certificate, instead of clarifying my unanswered questions in the proper way,” he wrote.
“Today I see clearly, that this way was not correct. It was a mistake. I’m sorry.
“I take responsibility for this decision, will engage with the process of establishing the facts and fully co-operate with the relevant authorities.”
The words were direct, the tone contrite. But the consequences are already spilling into his international career.
Switzerland camp without its leader
The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka has withdrawn from the national team camp ahead of their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia.
The association stressed the decision had been taken jointly by the player and the team management. With the Nations League campaign looming, they have opted to step away from the noise rather than carry it into the dressing room.
Switzerland face North Macedonia away on 26 September and Scotland in Glasgow on 29 September, before home matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October. They will do so without the man who has worn the armband and driven the side through major tournaments, including the World Cup earlier this year, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual runners-up Argentina.
The federation has made one thing clear: Xhaka’s long-term role is not guaranteed. His future with the national team will be discussed only after the current international window closes.
Silence at Sunderland
At club level, Sunderland have closed ranks. After the Black Cats’ defeat at Manchester City on Sunday, head coach Regis le Bris refused to be drawn on the allegations surrounding his midfielder.
“It is not my area to speak about those problems or situations,” he said. “My area is football. About football, he is really good.”
No defence of the off-field actions. No condemnation either. Just a firm line between the legal process and the manager’s remit.
A defining test of leadership
Xhaka has built his reputation on intensity, responsibility and a willingness to confront pressure head-on, whether in the Premier League, the Championship or on the international stage. Now the pressure comes from a different direction.
An investigation is under way. A captain has stepped aside. A national team must navigate key matches without its most experienced figure.
The next time Switzerland line up with their record cap holder in the squad, if they do at all, the conversation around Granit Xhaka will not be quite the same.
