Granit Xhaka Covid case spares Premier League star from jail

Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka was convicted on 8 October 2026 for obtaining a false Covid‑19 vaccination certificate, but escaped a possible five‑year jail term. Instead, a suspended fine of £136,265 spread over 50 days was imposed, after he admitted deep distrust of the vaccine while at Arsenal in 2022.

Legal context and possible penalties

Swiss authorities investigated the case, noting that the offence could have attracted a major fine and a maximum custodial sentence of five years. Although Covid‑19 vaccination was not mandatory for Premier League players, a certificate could shorten quarantine periods after close contact or travel. Xhaka therefore faced a serious legal exposure despite the league’s optional policy.

Details of the forged certificate

According to the court, the disputed certificate is dated 11 November 2022 and was allegedly obtained from family doctor Andrea Ludwig in Lucerne. Ludwig had also signed a certificate on 25 January 2022, the eve of Arsenal’s training camp in the United Arab Emirates. After the certificate was dated, Xhaka was photographed training with Arsenal in London on the same day.

Match impact and public statements

Arsenal travelled to Wolves on 12 November 2022, the day after the alleged vaccination date, and won 2‑0. Xhaka started the match but was substituted after 16 minutes because of a gastrointestinal infection. In September 2026 he posted on Instagram, acknowledging his “deep distrust” of the vaccine and apologising for obtaining the certificate outside proper channels.

Granit Xhaka accepts 150,000 Swiss franc fine over vaccine certificates

He also shared a training‑ground image with his wife Leonita, whom he has been with since 2015, and a team photo marking his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal. In the same post he thanked supporters for their messages and reiterated his responsibility for the decision.

The court issued a summary penalty order, imposing a conditional fine of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 each, with a two‑year probation period. The penalty will not be enforced provided Xhaka commits no further offences, and he has already paid the procedural costs.

Swiss national‑team captain Xhaka, who holds the country’s all‑time appearance record with 152 caps and recently led them to a World Cup quarter‑final, missed the most recent international camp because of the legal proceedings. His absence underscores the personal and sporting fallout of the case.

Doctor Andrea Ludwig has come under wider scrutiny for her conduct during the pandemic, including criticism for using the cancer drug opaganib on seriously ill Covid patients despite it not being an approved treatment. She was sarcastically dubbed a “miracle doctor” by critics, adding another layer of controversy to Xhaka’s case.