The short version
- Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation into Granit Xhaka regarding allegations that he secured a forged vaccination certificate in 2022.
- The midfielder has stepped away from the national team ahead of Nations League fixtures while cooperating with authorities and acknowledging his past decision was erroneous.
- Although vaccine mandates were lifted in Switzerland by spring 2022, certificates remained necessary for certain international travel requirements at the time of the alleged incident.
Swiss judicial authorities have initiated a formal investigation into Granit Xhaka, the captain of the national football team, concerning allegations that he acquired a falsified Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The probe is being conducted by the public prosecutor’s office in Lucerne, which stated it is examining whether criminal conduct occurred in the procurement of what is described as a false or forged document. This development marks a significant legal and professional challenge for the 33-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Sunderland but was with Arsenal during the period in question.
The allegations center on events from 2022, a time when Switzerland required proof of vaccination for specific activities, venue access, and certain forms of international travel. While there was no universal legal mandate for all citizens to hold such certificates, their absence restricted participation in various sectors of public life. The Swiss Office of Public Health clarified that these measures were active until the spring of 2022. Following that period, certificates continued to be issued primarily to help individuals meet entry requirements when traveling abroad, rather than for domestic compliance.
Xhaka addressed the situation through a social media statement released on Monday, offering an explanation rooted in personal hesitation regarding the vaccine. He described experiencing a state of mistrust and being influenced by uncertainty and worry during that time. Rather than seeking clarification through official channels to resolve his unanswered questions, he admitted to acquiring the certificate as an alternative solution. This admission frames the incident not merely as a procedural error but as a conscious choice made under psychological distress.
In his public remarks, Xhaka expressed regret for his actions, characterizing the decision as a mistake that was clearly incorrect in retrospect. He issued an apology and affirmed his willingness to take responsibility for the outcome. The midfielder committed to fully cooperating with the relevant authorities and engaging in the process to establish the facts surrounding the case. This cooperative stance suggests an attempt to mitigate potential legal repercussions while maintaining transparency with the public and sporting bodies.
The immediate consequence of these developments is Xhaka’s withdrawal from the Swiss national team camp. The Swiss Football Association confirmed that the player has stepped aside ahead of upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. This decision was made jointly by Xhaka and the team management, indicating a coordinated approach to handling the crisis. The association noted that discussions regarding his future role with the national side would take place after the current international window concludes.
Switzerland’s schedule includes away fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland on September 26 and 29, respectively, followed by home matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October. Xhaka’s absence removes a key leadership figure from the squad, as he is the country’s record appearance holder with 152 caps. His role as captain during the World Cup earlier this year, where Switzerland reached the quarter-finals before losing to Argentina, underscores his significance to the team’s structure and morale.
Reaction from his club has been restrained, with Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris declining to comment on the allegations following a recent defeat to Manchester City. Le Bris emphasized that such matters fall outside his area of expertise, focusing instead on Xhaka’s performance on the pitch. He described the midfielder as highly skilled in football terms, separating the athlete’s professional capabilities from the legal issues currently under scrutiny. This distinction highlights the complex intersection between personal conduct and professional evaluation in modern sports.
The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors tasked with determining whether any criminal behavior occurred in obtaining the document. The outcome could have implications for Xhaka’s standing within Swiss football and potentially his broader career trajectory. As the legal process unfolds, attention will likely remain on how sporting institutions balance disciplinary standards with individual accountability. The case also reflects lingering societal tensions regarding pandemic-era measures and the personal choices individuals made during periods of heightened uncertainty.
Future developments will depend on the findings of the Lucerne prosecutor’s office and subsequent decisions by football governing bodies. Xhaka’s cooperation may influence how authorities view his culpability, but the existence of a forged document raises serious questions about integrity and compliance. The situation serves as a reminder of the long-term repercussions that can arise from actions taken during the pandemic, even years after the immediate health crisis has subsided. Stakeholders await further updates as the investigation progresses.
The broader context involves the evolving landscape of sports governance and legal accountability in Europe. Cases involving high-profile athletes often attract significant media attention and public interest, potentially influencing perceptions of fairness and justice. Xhaka’s situation is unique in its combination of personal health decisions, legal implications, and sporting consequences. As the story develops, it will be closely watched for insights into how institutions handle similar challenges in the future.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Xhaka under investigation over Covid-19 certificate
