Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka admits he obtained a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022 and withdraws from Switzerland’s upcoming international matches. Multiple outlets report that he apologises, saying the decision was a “mistake” made while he was uncertain and emotional at the time, and he takes responsibility for his actions.
Switzerland’s authorities are investigating whether any criminal conduct occurred. The BBC and Guardian say the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office is involved and that the investigation is linked to broader allegations about falsified Covid certificates involving a doctor in Lucerne, who has denied wrongdoing. The BBC frames the matter as an investigation into Xhaka’s certificate, while other outlets highlight the potential legal consequences.
Outlets differ mainly in emphasis: some, including the tabloid coverage, stress the possibility of jail, while others focus more on the procedural steps and Xhaka’s withdrawal from the squad. The Swiss Football Association says it will reassess next steps after the international window and that the team completes its training camp without him.
