Xhaka accepts suspended 150,000-franc fine over Covid-19 certificate
On a rainy morning at Sunderland’s training complex, captain Granit Xhaka stared at his phone, scrolling through an Instagram post that confirmed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs for a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The 34‑year‑old Swiss international said the penalty would hang over him for two years unless he re‑offends.
Xhaka, a former Arsenal midfielder, completed his move to Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025, taking over the club’s captaincy while also leading the Switzerland national side. His arrival was heralded as a boost for the Black Cats, who hope his experience will lift their league campaign.
The court sentenced him to a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to about £136,000, with the penalty suspended for two years provided he commits no further offences. Xhaka confirmed he has already settled the court costs linked to the case.
Suspended fine and probation loom over Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka
“A few weeks ago, I spoke personally here and said that I would take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” Xhaka wrote in German on Instagram. “I was sentenced by summary judgment for obtaining a false certification to a suspended fine of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 each. I accept the decision and take responsibility for my actions. Thank you for the many messages of support over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me.”
In September 2022, while still at Arsenal, Xhaka posted a statement expressing mistrust of the Covid‑19 vaccine, saying he had been influenced by worries and uncertainty. The following international break saw him withdraw from Switzerland’s squad for Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia.
Swiss public health context
Switzerland’s public health office clarified that a legal requirement for a Covid‑19 certificate never existed, but the document was needed to access certain venues, activities and travel until the spring of 2022. After that date, certificates continued to be issued mainly to satisfy entry requirements for trips abroad.
Granit Xhaka admits fake vaccine certificate in Nations League break
Future on the pitch
Xhaka captained Switzerland at the World Cup earlier this year, where they exited in the quarter‑finals to eventual runners‑up Argentina. He is slated to return for Sunderland’s home match against Brighton on Saturday, and manager Régis le Bris praised his training during the international break, saying the midfielder is in a good place both football‑wise and personally.