Suspended fine and probation loom over Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka

On Thursday, Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka confirmed on social media that he has been handed a suspended fine of £136,265 after obtaining a fake COVID certificate, a breach that could see the penalty enforced if he reoffends within two years.

In his statement, Xhaka explained that the punishment consists of 50 daily rates of £2,725 and that he has already covered the procedural costs. He added that the fine will not be enforced provided he stays out of trouble for the next two years.

"I accept the decision and take responsibility," Xhaka wrote, adding that he felt "deep mistrust of the vaccine" and that obtaining the certificate was a mistake made in a turbulent emotional state.

Fine and probation details

The court also imposed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately £136,000) together with court fees, both of which Xhaka has paid. The two‑year probation period means the monetary penalty remains dormant unless further offences occur.

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Conditional fine for Xhaka over forged COVID certificate

International fallout

Following the admission, Xhaka was omitted from Switzerland’s squad for the international break and missed four Nations League fixtures, during which Switzerland secured victories in all four matches.

Swiss football president Peter Knabel said the decision to leave Xhaka out of the training camp was taken jointly with the player and that he could be reconsidered for the November internationals.

Club future

Despite the legal saga, Xhaka is set to return to action for Sunderland when the Black Cats host Brighton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

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

He joins fellow Swiss international Breel Embolo, who was also omitted from the national squad after being convicted for obtaining a fake COVID certificate and receiving a suspended sentence of 20 daily fines of approximately £2,7000.