It is not a matter of performance on the pitch, but a paperwork disaster that could leave him completely out of play. Granit Xhaka, the midfield engine for Switzerland and currently playing for Sunderland, has confessed that in 2022—while he was still a key player for Arsenal in the English Premier League—he decided to take a risk and obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
The Motivation
The player was transparent about his reasons, admitting he felt distrust, fear, and uncertainty regarding the vaccine at that time. While these feelings were shared by many during the pandemic, Xhaka chose to resolve his dilemma with a forged document.
Legal Trouble
In Switzerland, forgery is treated with extreme severity. The Lucerne Public Prosecutor's Office is now investigating the case, as it is linked to a broader probe involving a doctor who allegedly sold these fraudulent certificates. Xhaka is expected to be interrogated next week.
| The Consequences of the Deception | |
|---|---|
| Sporting Sanction | Suspended from the Swiss National Team for 4 Nations League matches (missing clashes against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia). |
| Legal Risk | Investigation for document forgery. He could face a heavy financial penalty or, in an extreme scenario, up to 5 years in prison. |
According to the Swiss Football Association, President Peter Knabel confirmed that Xhaka himself came forward with the information last Sunday. The association decided that removing him from the squad was the best course of action to "calm the waters." Meanwhile, Sunderland has distanced itself from the matter, stating that since the event occurred during his tenure at Arsenal, the club will not issue a statement.
Irony Alert: In a strange twist of fate, in September 2022—exactly when the certificate was crucial for travel and training—Xhaka actually tested positive for COVID, which forced him to miss several national team matches.
The football world now waits to see if the Swiss justice system will be lenient or if the captain will pay a steep price for this "shortcut" taken four years ago.