Key Takeaways:
- Swiss prosecutors confirmed an active investigation into Granit Xhaka regarding a potentially forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate allegedly obtained in 2022
- Following his public apology, Xhaka withdrew from Switzerland’s upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia
- Granit Xhaka, with 152 caps, had captained Switzerland at the World Cup earlier this year, where they reached the quarter-finals
Overview of the Investigation
Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss national football team and currently playing for Sunderland, is currently the subject of a criminal investigation by public prosecutors in Lucerne over claims he acquired a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. At that time, official Swiss policy made a valid certificate compulsory for certain foreign travel and entry to various public activities and venues.
The Lucerne prosecutor’s office released a statement confirming ongoing enquiries into whether any criminal conduct occurred in obtaining a “false or forged” vaccine certificate.
๐จ ๐ก๐๐ช: Granit Xhaka could face up to FIVE YEARS in prison over allegations that he obtained a Covid certificate despite not being vaccinated.
The Lucerne public prosecutor has opened proceedings against Xhaka and a doctor from Lucerne.
โ @RMCsport pic.twitter.com/OgWRLsCwCj
— The Touchline | ๐ (@TouchlineX) September 21, 2026
Xhaka Issues Public Statement
Xhaka, aged 33 and at the time an Arsenal player, addressed the situation in a social media post on Monday. He admitted to being motivated by “mistrust” towards the vaccine and acknowledged that his worries and uncertainties influenced his decision. Xhaka wrote: “In this troubled state of mind I acquired a vaccine certificate, instead of clarifying my unanswered questions in the proper way.
“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.”
Swiss Health and Covid-19 Certificate Regulations
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health stated that although there was never a universal legal requirement to possess a Covid-19 certificate, these certificates were necessary for participation in a range of activities, locations, and travel, meaning unvaccinated individuals without a certificate faced restrictions. While many of these requirements were removed in spring 2022, certificates continued to be issued after this date, principally for those travelling abroad who needed to meet other countries’ entry standards.
Impact on National Team and Upcoming Fixtures
The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka, the nation’s most-capped player with 152 international appearances, was withdrawing from the squad ahead of their scheduled Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. The Association added that this decision was jointly reached by Xhaka and team management, with further discussions regarding his future place in the squad to be held after the international window.
Switzerland’s forthcoming matches include away games against North Macedonia and Scotland on 26 and 29 September, followed by home fixtures versus Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October.
Club Reaction and World Cup Context
Sunderland manager Regis le Bris addressed the media following his side’s defeat at Manchester City on Sunday but declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, stating: “It is not my area to speak about those problems or situations,” and added, “My area is football. About football, he is really good.”
Xhaka, Switzerland’s record cap holder, captained his country at the World Cup earlier this year, where Switzerland exited in the quarter-finals after defeat to the eventual runners-up, Argentina.
