Swiss captain Xhaka sidelined over fake COVID certificate

Swiss prosecutors are investigating Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka over allegations he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The 33-year-old is accused of acquiring the document during a time when it was required for some international travel in Switzerland. The public prosecutor's office in Lucerne confirmed they are looking into the circumstances surrounding the alleged forgery.

Xhaka, a Sunderland player at the time, expressed his lack of trust in the vaccine and cited uncertainty as reasons for his actions in a statement posted to social media. He later admitted the path he took was incorrect and expressed regret, taking full responsibility for his decision. He has agreed to cooperate with the authorities as the investigation unfolds.

Switzerland's public health office noted that while there wasn't a mandate to have a certificate, it was necessary for certain activities, venues, and travel, which restricted those without one. The Swiss Football Association announced that Xhaka withdrew from the national team's upcoming matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia after his statement.

The player and management mutually decided on this withdrawal, with discussions about Xhaka's future with the team set to take place after the international window. Xhaka, the Swiss record appearance holder with 152 caps, was an integral part of the Swiss squad that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup this year, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Argentina.

Sunderland manager Regis le Bris did not comment on the allegations, focusing instead on his football responsibilities.