Fake Covid certificate puts Xhaka's leadership at risk

Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss national team and midfielder of Sunderland, has refused the call‑up for the upcoming international fixture after admitting that he purchased a fake Covid‑19 vaccination certificate. The Lucerne prosecutor's office has opened an investigation; in case of conviction, Xhaka faces up to five years in prison.

Xhaka's reference role

The Swiss midfielder is captain, a locker‑room reference and a symbol of a generation that has reached the top level. He has built his image on personality, leadership and the ability to take responsibility in difficult moments.

The decision not to respond to the call‑up was taken with the Federation to avoid distractions for the team. Xhaka explained that the choice matured after clarifying the issue of the fake certificate.

Investigation and possible sanctions

The Lucerne prosecutor's office opened an investigation after Xhaka's self‑report. If the illegality is confirmed, the player faces up to five years in prison.

Xhaka explained his decision with the following words:

At the time, regarding the Covid‑19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and harboured strong doubts. I felt a deep distrust of the vaccine and was driven by fears and uncertainties. In this agitated emotional state I purchased a vaccination certificate, instead of clarifying my doubts through the proper channels. Today I see clearly that that path was not the right one. It was a mistake. I am sorry.

Sunderland will have to manage the captain’s absence ahead of the upcoming league fixtures. The club has assured that the issue will not affect preparation.

Swiss authorities will continue the investigations in the coming weeks, keeping open the possibility of a criminal penalty. The episode calls into question the leadership figure that Xhaka has built over more than a decade of his career.