Granit Xhaka Admits to Using Fake Covid Vaccine Certificates

Granit Xhaka has publicly admitted he obtained coronavirus vaccination certificates without ever receiving the jab, a confession that has triggered a criminal investigation in Switzerland and his removal from the national team’s next training camp.

The Switzerland captain and Sunderland midfielder laid out his actions in a candid Instagram statement on Monday, saying he was gripped by fear and distrust at the height of the pandemic.

“At the time, I was personally very uncertain about the Covid-19 vaccine and had serious reservations,” Xhaka wrote. He described feeling “a deep distrust” and said he was “overcome by fears and uncertainty”.

That anxiety led him down a path he now calls a clear mistake.

“In this state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the proper channels,” he admitted.

The admission comes days after police in Lucerne confirmed Xhaka is under criminal investigation on suspicion of obtaining fake coronavirus vaccination certificates. According to reports in Switzerland, he is alleged to have received the documents from his doctor, who is also being investigated for allegedly issuing the bogus certificates.

Xhaka, 31, did not try to soften the fallout in his statement.

“Today, I clearly see that this was not the right path to take. It was a mistake. I’m sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to addressing the facts of the matter, and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities,” he said.

Swiss newspaper Blick reported that Xhaka contracted coronavirus twice, in 2021 and early 2022.

Once his confession became public, the Swiss Football Federation moved quickly. In a brief statement, it announced that the long-serving captain will not join the upcoming men’s national team training camp, a significant step for a player who has been central to Switzerland’s recent tournament runs.

A leader sidelined, a criminal case open, and a national team forced to look elsewhere for its voice in the dressing room. The consequences of one decision are only just beginning to unfold.