Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka faces a criminal investigation by prosecutors in Lucerne after admitting he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The 33-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Sunderland, made a public confession on social media on 21 September, taking responsibility for acquiring the false document during a period when he harboured doubts about vaccination.
In his statement, Xhaka explained the circumstances that led to his decision.
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.
The midfielder had previously described having a
mistrusttowards the vaccine and said he had been
influenced by worries and uncertaintyat the time. The Lucerne Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed that an investigation was underway to determine whether criminal behaviour occurred in obtaining a false or forged certificate.
According to reports from the investigation, Xhaka is expected to be questioned by authorities in early October. Swiss prosecutors are also investigating a doctor linked to the alleged fake certificates, with the probe focusing on whether there was fraudulent procurement of false certification and document forgery offences.
Why was a Covid certificate required in Switzerland?
During 2022, Switzerland's public health authorities required Covid-19 certificates for access to various activities, venues and international travel, though no general legal mandate existed to obtain one. These restrictions remained in place until spring 2022, after which certificates continued to be issued primarily to enable people to meet entry requirements when travelling abroad.
What are the potential consequences?
The severity of penalties Xhaka could face remains unclear, but a precedent exists in Swiss sports. In 2023, former Switzerland men's ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer was found guilty of using a fake Covid-19 certificate to work at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Fischer received a fine of 38,000 Swiss francs from a criminal court. In April 2026, he was dismissed from his position with the Swiss ice hockey federation, and earlier this month he was banned for four years by the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Lucerne prosecutors have emphasised that Xhaka is presumed innocent while proceedings continue.
How has this affected his international career?
Following his admission, the Swiss Football Association withdrew Xhaka from the upcoming Nations League camp. The decision was made jointly by the player and the national team management. Switzerland face away fixtures against North Macedonia on 26 September and Scotland on 29 September, before hosting Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October. The association stated it would discuss Xhaka's future with the team after the international window concludes.
Xhaka, who holds the Swiss national record with 152 appearances, captained his country at the 2026 World Cup earlier this year, where Switzerland reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by eventual runners-up Argentina. His leadership during that tournament had marked a significant moment in his international career after years of criticism during his time at Arsenal.
What is his club's position?
Sunderland manager Regis le Bris declined to comment on the allegations following the club's defeat to Manchester City on 22 September.
It is not my area to speak about those problems or situations. My area is football. About football, he is really good.
What happens next?
Xhaka is expected to be questioned by Lucerne authorities in early October as part of the ongoing investigation. The Swiss Football Association will determine his international status after the current Nations League window concludes, with his participation in future matches dependent on the outcome of discussions between the player, management and potentially the governing body.
Key Facts:
- Xhaka admitted obtaining a forged Covid certificate in 2022 when such documents were required for travel and venue access in Switzerland
- The Lucerne Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating possible document forgery and fraudulent procurement of false certification
- A doctor is also under investigation in connection with the alleged fake certificates
- Xhaka has been withdrawn from Switzerland's Nations League squad and will be questioned by prosecutors in early October
- Former ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer received a 38,000 Swiss franc fine and a four-year ban for a similar offence in 2023
