Swiss prosecutors probe Granit Xhaka over Covid-19 certificate fraud

On Monday, 33‑year‑old Granit Xhaka took to social media to apologise for acquiring a Covid-19 vaccination certificate he now admits was obtained under false pretences. The Swiss captain, who led his nation at the World Cup earlier this year, said he acted out of mistrust and uncertainty.

Investigation into alleged forged certificate

The public prosecutor’s office of the city of Lucerne confirmed that an investigation is under way to determine whether Xhaka obtained a “false or forged” Covid-19 certificate in 2022, when Swiss law required such proof for certain overseas travel. If criminal conduct is proven, the case could lead to charges under Swiss law.

Switzerland never imposed a blanket legal duty to hold a Covid-19 certificate, but the document was needed to access many venues and to travel abroad. Those measures remained in force until spring 2022, after which certificates were issued mainly for international journeys.

In his post, Xhaka wrote: “In this troubled state of mind I acquired a vaccine certificate, instead of clarifying my unanswered questions in the proper way. Today I see clearly that this way was not correct. It was a mistake. I’m sorry and I take responsibility for this decision, will engage with the process of establishing the facts and fully co‑operate with the relevant authorities.”

Impact on Swiss national team

The Swiss Football Association announced that Xhaka, the country’s record appearance holder with 152 caps, has withdrawn from the national camp ahead of the Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia. The withdrawal was decided jointly by the player and the federation, which said it will discuss his future after the international window.

Switzerland are scheduled to travel to North Macedonia on 26 September and to Scotland on 29 September, before hosting Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October.

Sunderland manager Regis le Bris declined to comment on the allegations after his side suffered a defeat at Manchester City on Sunday. “It is not my area to speak about those problems or situations,” he said, adding that his focus remains on football and that Xhaka is “really good” on the pitch.

Xhaka’s leadership at the World Cup ended in a quarter‑final loss to Argentina, the eventual runners‑up, and the current investigation adds a further cloud over a player who has been central to Swiss football for more than a decade.