Swiss franc fine for Xhaka: Conditional penalty hits captain

While Granit Xhaka explains on Instagram that the 150,000 Swiss franc fine will only be enforced in case of repeated misconduct, it remains unclear whether the Swiss Football Association will impose sporting sanctions. The case of the purchased vaccination certificates therefore raises both legal and sporting questions.

Conditional fine in detail

The court sentenced Xhaka to a conditional fine of 150,000 Swiss francs. The fine consists of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 each and is linked to a two‑year probation period. The set period is two years. In case of a breach during this time, the fine would be enforced.

In an Instagram story Xhaka wrote: “That means: the fine will not be enforced if I do not get myself into trouble during this period.” He also confirmed that in 2022 he had purchased a false vaccination certificate to circumvent his former employer’s vaccination requirement.

Xhaka announced that he has already paid the procedural costs and, according to his own statement, testified fully before the public prosecutor. The penalty order was for fraudulently obtaining a false certification.

Conditional fine for Xhaka over forged COVID certificate

Reaction of the Swiss Football Association

The Swiss Football Association said it had become aware of the prosecutor’s decision. On that basis, the announced talks about the joint future can now be held. Whether the verdict will entail sporting consequences, however, has not yet been decided.

During the last international break the team was fielded without the captain. The association emphasized that nothing stands in the way of a return at the international level as long as Xhaka complies with the probation period.

The two‑year probation period runs until October 2028. As long as Xhaka does not reoffend during this time, he remains exempt from the enforcement of the fine.

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

The 34‑year‑old former Bundesliga professional, who has played for Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayer Leverkusen and most recently Arsenal, bought the certificate because his former employer required it. The fine corresponds to roughly €160,000 or about €161,000, according to reports.