Sunderland midfielder and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, about £136,000, after admitting he obtained a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
The Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a summary penalty order against Xhaka. Authorities convicted him of obtaining a false certification. They ordered a suspended monetary penalty of 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs each. The order also set a two-year probation period. The fine will not take effect if Xhaka commits no further offences during that time. He already paid the procedural costs.
Xhaka announced the outcome himself on Thursday. He said: “A few weeks ago, I said that I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that. After I gave a full statement to the public prosecutor’s office, the prosecutor’s decision has now been made. I have been convicted by a summary penalty order for obtaining a false certification, receiving a suspended monetary penalty of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000, with a two-year probation period. That means the penalty will not be enforced as long as I do not commit any further offences during this period. I have already paid the procedural costs. I accept the decision and take responsibility.”
The case stemmed from events in 2022 while Xhaka played for Arsenal. Swiss prosecutors later investigated certificates linked to a Lucerne doctor. In September, Xhaka admitted the matter and withdrew from Switzerland’s Nations League squad. He sat out four fixtures while he cooperated with authorities.
At that time Xhaka stated: “At the time, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns regarding the Covid-19 vaccination. I felt a 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 that this was the wrong approach. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.”
Xhaka is set to return for Sunderland against Brighton this weekend. The Swiss Football Association said earlier it would reassess his international status before November fixtures. Switzerland recorded wins in the four Nations League matches played without him.
