Two Swiss sport scandals: Xhaka admits fake Covid cert after Fischer
Swiss football captain Granit Xhaka has admitted to having bought a forged Covid‑certificate – thereby following the already known case of ice‑hockey coach Patrick Fischer. The revelation comes from an investigation by Blick, and SRF sports editor Peter Schnyder explains the possible consequences for Xhaka, both on and off the pitch.
Confession and initial measures
Following Xhaka's admission, he will not be selected for the next four international matches of the Swiss national team (Nati). The official football association announced in a press release that it will assess the situation after the upcoming international match window together with Xhaka and discuss the further course of action.
On Instagram, Xhaka posted a statement in which he describes his uncertainty regarding the Covid vaccination and explains the forged certificate. The post can be found under the account @GranitXhaka.
Legal assessment and comparison with Fischer
Legally, Xhaka must answer to the authorities for document forgery. With full cooperation, Schnyder says a fine is likely to be imposed, but no custodial sentence.
The case differs markedly from Fischer's case: the former ice‑hockey national coach used a forged certificate to take part in the Olympic Games, whereas Xhaka, according to current knowledge, has not derived any sporting advantage from the document. A possible benefit for entry to the football World Cup in Qatar is unlikely, because the Qatari authorities relaxed the testing and vaccination rules shortly before the tournament began on 1 November 2022.
The second vaccination, which is recorded in the forged certificate, is said to have taken place on either 8 or 11 November, according to sources – a period when no entry advantage existed.
Whether further sanctions, as in Fischer's case, will follow remains uncertain. The football association emphasizes that there are currently no solid legal grounds to suspend Xhaka, and that moral considerations could be at the forefront.