Suspended fine for Xhaka over Covid-19 certificate

Granit Xhaka, captain of Sunderland and Switzerland, has been given a suspended fine of £136,000 for presenting a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The 34-year-old received the fine in 2022 when it was mandatory for travel abroad in Switzerland. The suspended fine is set to remain for two years, provided Xhaka does not commit any further offenses.

He has already paid the court costs and remains committed to his decision. Xhaka expressed his accountability for his actions on Instagram, stating that he stands by his choice. He had initially cited "mistrust" towards the vaccine and concerns as reasons for acquiring the forged certificate. Following the incident, Xhaka withdrew from Switzerland's national team for their recent international matches.

He is currently the record holder for the most appearances for Switzerland with 152 caps and had previously led the team at the World Cup this year, which they lost in the quarter-finals to Argentina. Xhaka is set to return to action when Sunderland faces Brighton on Saturday. Sunderland's manager, Regis le Bris, praised his positive attitude and training since the international break, emphasizing his readiness to play football.