Switzerland to play without Xhaka over fake Covid certificate

Switzerland have announced that their next four matches in the Nations League will be played without captain Granit Xhaka. The 33-year-old midfielder admitted to using a forged Covid vaccine certificate during the pandemic, revealing his decision via social media on Monday. Xhaka expressed deep mistrust and anxiety about the vaccine, admitting his mistake and apologizing to the public.

The Lucerne public prosecutor's office is currently investigating the matter. The Swiss Football Association, in agreement with Xhaka, decided he would not join the national team for a training camp in Turkey. Following Xhaka's statement, he will not participate in the men's national team's upcoming gathering. Switzerland begins their campaign against North Macedonia on Saturday and faces Scotland on September 29.

Subsequent matches include games against Slovenia and North Macedonia in October, with reassessment of Xhaka's involvement planned at the end of the international window.