Granit Xhaka faces Swiss justice over fake Covid certificates

Sunderland's captain, Granit Xhaka, will have to appear before Swiss courts to answer a case of fake Covid vaccination certificates. The Swiss defender plays in England alongside Thomas Meunier and Malick Fofana, who also share the dressing room.

The events date back to the pandemic period and also involve a doctor from Lucerne. According to authorities, Xhaka is under investigation for possible forged certificates, which has triggered the opening of a judicial procedure.

Investigation and accusations

The justice system wants to understand how Xhaka obtained his certificates. According to the newspaper Blick, some documents may have been issued without the corresponding vaccination having taken place, which investigators need to verify.

His spokesperson, Andreas Bantel, claims to have proof of two vaccinations in 2022, one in January and one in November. Xhaka contracted Covid‑19 in 2021, then a second time at the beginning of the following year, which complicates the case.

International career and role at Sunderland

Aged thirty‑three, Xhaka has earned one hundred and fifty‑two caps and eighteen goals with the Nati. He has taken part in seven major tournaments: four World Cups and three Euros, and wore the armband at the 2026 World Cup where Switzerland reached the quarter‑finals.

While awaiting the judicial outcome, Xhaka continues his season in England, playing for Sunderland where he wears the captain's armband. He shares the dressing room with Thomas Meunier and Malick Fofana, both key members of the squad.

He will have to answer questions from the Lucerne public prosecutor. His entourage assures that he will cooperate with the authorities and provide the requested elements as part of the investigation.

The investigation will have to determine whether the suspicions surrounding Xhaka are founded. The player awaits to be heard before speaking publicly about the case.