Full Breakdown
Granit Xhaka Faces Swiss Investigation Over Alleged Fake Covid-Vaccination Certificate
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Admission and Squad Removal
Switzerland’s captain and Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been withdrawn from the national team ahead of the UEFA Nations League window. He will address the issue publicly on 21 September, and prosecutors will question him in early October. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed that the decision to omit him from the training camp was taken jointly with the player.
Background & Context
During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination certificates were required for international travel and to reduce quarantine periods for professional athletes. A Lucerne-based doctor was investigated in 2023 after police seized documents alleged to be forged vaccination certificates. Authorities suspect the doctor issued such certificates without administering the vaccine.
Timeline
- 21 September (scheduled): Xhaka is scheduled to issue a public statement on Instagram.
- Early October (scheduled): Prosecutors in Lucerne will interview Xhaka.
- 3 October (scheduled): Switzerland faces Slovenia in the Nations League in Lucerne.
- 25 January 2022 (occurred): Xhaka’s treating physician confirmed a vaccination dose.
- 11 November 2022 (occurred): A second vaccination dose was confirmed by the same physician.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 33 (turns 34 on the upcoming Sunday).
- International caps: 152 – the record for Switzerland.
- Club career: Former Arsenal midfielder, Bayer Leverkusen (2023-2025), Sunderland (joined July 2025).
Official Statements & Responses
SFV president Peter Knäbel said the association welcomes Xhaka’s willingness to confront the matter and that it was mutually decided to proceed without him to maintain focus on the upcoming matches.
A lawyer for the implicated doctor, Cornel Borbély, asserted that Xhaka was vaccinated on the dates listed above, contradicting Xhaka’s admission that he obtained a falsified certificate. Both the player and the doctor deny any criminal wrongdoing, and the presumption of innocence remains in effect.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Vaccination status: Xhaka’s Instagram statement acknowledges obtaining a fake certificate, yet his doctor’s lawyer claims documented vaccinations on 25 January and 11 November 2022.
- Legal outcome: Prosecutors have not filed formal charges; the investigation’s scope and potential penalties remain uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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/or document forgery.” — Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office
- “At the time, I was personally very uncertain and had serious reservations. I felt a deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fears and uncertainty,” — Granit Xhaka
- “In that state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the proper channels. Today, I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I’m sorry.” — Granit Xhaka, Instagram
- “Once this international break is over, we’ll reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss how to proceed,” — Peter Knäbel
- “Over the past few days, there has been a lot of reporting about an issue from my past. I would like to address it personally,” — Granit Xhaka
What’s Next
Xhaka is expected to appear before the Lucerne prosecutor’s office in early October to present his account. After the Nations League window concludes, the SFV has indicated it will reevaluate his status with the national team. The investigation remains open, and no definitive legal judgment has been issued.
