Granit Xhaka (Switzerland captain and midfielder for Sunderland) is now under criminal investigation after allegedly obtaining a fake COVID vaccination certificate. The public prosecution service in Lucerne confirmed they are investigating whether Xhaka committed a crime in the process of obtaining a false/forgeries certificate in 2022, when many countries required a valid certification to enter foreign territory.
What Xhaka Is Accused Of
Lucerne Public Prosecution Office is investigating Xhaka to determine whether he got the Covid Vaccine Certificate despite not getting vaccinated. Xhaka is also part of a larger investigation regarding an alleged scheme of a local doctor who apparently gave vaccination certificates to patients without having administered the vaccine. There are multiple persons reportedly linked to the wider investigation surrounding the doctor’s actions.
It is a serious offense in Switzerland to either obtain or use a false official document. According to reports, if the allegations can be proven, Xhaka may receive a fine and/or a maximum prison term of five years. However, there is still no determination of guilt. It appears Xhaka will provide a formal response to the prosecutors by October.
Response from Xhaka
In a post on social media, Xhaka stated that he made a wrong choice due to distrust in the vaccines because of fear & uncertainty about the vaccine at the time and therefore chose to get the COVID vaccine certificate instead of addressing these issues correctly. Xhaka called his behavior "a mistake" and apologized while stating he will accept full responsibility and corporate completely with all investigations.
Effect on Switzerland National Team
After Xhaka’s statement, the Swiss Football Federation reported that Xhaka Switzerland’s most capped player (with 152 caps) has stepped down from the national team until after the next set of Nations League games vs. Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. Both parties agreed to remove him from competition immediately. After the conclusion of the current international window, discussions about his long-term status in the team will follow.
Switzerland will begin their schedule on Sep. 26 & 29 vs. North Macedonia (away), followed by Scotland (also away). They then host both Slovenia and North Macedonia Oct. 7 & 10.
Position from Sunderland FC
Manager Régis Le Bris did not respond to questions about the allegations following the Manchester City game. He indicated that this issue is outside his responsibilities as manager and stated that from a purely football perspective, Xhaka currently plays at a high level for Sunderland.
At last summer’s World Cup, Xhaka served as captain for Switzerland which finished in fourth place overall, losing to runners-up Argentina in QF.
FAQ
What does Granit Xhaka stand accused of?
Xhaka is currently under investigation by Swiss investigators regarding allegations that he received a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
Has Xhaka responded to the allegations?
Yes. Xhaka has issued a public statement acknowledging that he obtained the certificate; referred to it as a “mistake” while expressing that he will work cooperatively with those conducting the investigation.
Does Xhaka intend to compete for Switzerland in this international break?
No. Following his statement, Xhaka withdrew from the Switzerland roster for the upcoming Nations League competitions.
Could Xhaka face legal consequences?
Reports state that if convicted, he could face fines or prison sentences of up to five years under Swiss Law. However, at this point, the investigation is active and no charges have been officially filed.
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