Xhaka under investigation over Covid-19 certificate

Swiss prosecutors are investigating former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka over allegations that he obtained a forged COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The 33-year-old captain of the Swiss national team is accused of obtaining the certificate when it was required for some travel abroad. The public prosecutor's office in Lucerne confirmed the investigation is underway to determine if any criminal behavior occurred in obtaining a "false or forged" certificate.

Xhaka, who played for Sunderland at the time, posted a statement on social media expressing his "mistrust" towards the vaccine and admitting he was "influenced by worries and uncertainty." He stated that his actions were a mistake and that he takes responsibility for his decision, fully cooperating with the authorities. The Swiss public health office confirmed that while there was no legal requirement to obtain or hold such a certificate, it was necessary for access to various activities, venues, and travel, with these measures in place until spring 2022.

Xhaka withdrew from the Swiss national team for upcoming Nations League matches after his statement, with the decision made jointly by the player and management. The team will discuss his future after the international window. Xhaka captained Switzerland at the World Cup earlier this year, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual runners-up Argentina.