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. He has been withdrawn from Switzerland's upcoming Nations League squad as a result.
In his statement, Xhaka explained the circumstances that led to his decision.
At the time, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns regarding the Covid-19 vaccination. I felt deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty. In this turbulent emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels. Today I clearly see this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter and am co-operating with the relevant authorities.
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. The doctor, who was first investigated in 2023, has denied the allegations.
Xhaka tested positive for Covid in September 2022 and did not feature in Switzerland's internationals that month. A spokesperson for the Lucerne cantonal prosecutor's office said the aim of the inquiries is to clarify whether there has been conduct relevant under criminal law in connection with the possible fraudulent obtaining of a false certification and document forgery.
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?
Should charges be brought, Xhaka could face a heavy fine or, theoretically, a five-year prison sentence. However, the imposition of custodial punishment is understood to be extremely unlikely. 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. Peter Knabel, president of the Swiss Football Association, said:
Granit Xhaka approached us about the situation last Sunday night and told us he would admit it publicly and take responsibility. We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences. We jointly concluded that it is in the team's interests to complete the entire camp without him. Our priority now is to calm the situation.
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.Sunderland have also told media outlets they are not commenting on the matter, noting that Xhaka was with Arsenal in 2022 when the certificate was obtained. The midfielder left north London to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and arrived at the Stadium of Light two years later.
What happens next?
Xhaka is expected to be questioned by Lucerne authorities in early October as part of the ongoing investigation. He will miss Switzerland's Nations League matches away to North Macedonia on 26 September and Scotland on 29 September, as well as home fixtures against Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October. 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. Although the Swiss FA possesses the power to hit Xhaka with a suspension from football—something they could ask FIFA to apply worldwide—that scenario is regarded as highly unlikely.
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; the doctor has denied the allegations
- Xhaka has been withdrawn from Switzerland's Nations League squad and will be questioned by prosecutors in early October
- Should charges be brought, Xhaka could theoretically face a five-year prison sentence, though custodial punishment is understood to be extremely unlikely
- Former ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer received a 38,000 Swiss franc fine and a four-year ban for a similar offence in 2023
