Full Breakdown
Investigation into Granit Xhaka’s Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Swiss prosecutors in Lucerne have opened a criminal investigation into Granit Xhaka, captain of the Switzerland national team and Sunderland midfielder, over allegations that he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The public prosecutor’s office said the inquiry will determine whether any conduct relevant under criminal law occurred. Xhaka admitted the mistake, withdrew from the Swiss squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, and pledged full cooperation.
Background & Context
Switzerland required Covid-19 certificates for access to certain venues and for international travel until spring 2022; thereafter certificates were mainly issued for travel. The alleged certificate was obtained while Xhaka was at Arsenal, before his moves to Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland.
Data & Statistics
- Caps: 152 (Swiss record).
- Vaccination dates cited by his doctor: 25 January 2022 and 11 November 2022.
- International fixtures affected: Nations League matches on 26 Sept (vs North Macedonia), 29 Sept (vs Scotland), and home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia in early Oct.
- Potential penalty: Up to five years’ imprisonment for document forgery.
Official Statements & Responses
- Swiss Football Association (SFV): President Peter Knaebel said Xhaka informed the federation and that the decision to exclude him from the training camp was taken jointly, emphasizing the need to “calm the situation” ahead of the Nations League.
- Xhaka’s statement: He described his state at the time as “troubled” and “emotionally charged,” acknowledged the certificate was a mistake, and committed to cooperating fully.
- Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office: Spokesperson Simon Kopp reiterated that the inquiry seeks to clarify any criminal conduct related to the alleged forged document.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the year the certificate was obtained: BBC and Al Jazeera cite 2022, while ChronicleLive and SundayGuardianLive reference 2021. Xhaka’s legal team says he possesses vaccination records for two doses in 2022, but the prosecutor has not confirmed whether the certificates correspond to actual vaccinations. No formal charges have been filed; the investigation’s outcome remains pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The aim 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
- “Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry.” — Granit Xhaka
These quotations capture the key voices: the prosecutor’s investigative aim, Xhaka’s admission, and the federation’s response.