Swiss Captain Granit Xhaka Sidelined Amid Fake COVID-19 Certificate Investigation

What Happened

On Monday, September 21, 2026, Switzerland's national football captain, Granit Xhaka, publicly admitted to acquiring a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. This admission led to a joint decision with the Swiss Football Association (SFV) to withdraw him from the upcoming international camp. Xhaka, 33, who plays as a midfielder for Sunderland in the Premier League, issued a statement on social media acknowledging his actions, stating, "In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path." He further added, "Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry." Concurrently, the public prosecutor's office of Lucerne confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations that Xhaka obtained the forged certificate in 2022, when such documentation was often required for international travel and access to certain venues.

SFV president Peter Knaebel confirmed Xhaka's proactive disclosure, noting, "Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation yesterday evening and told us at the same time that he would comment publicly on it and take responsibility." Knaebel welcomed Xhaka's step but emphasized the joint conclusion that it was "in the best interest of the team to complete this gathering without him." The Swiss team gathered in Belek, Turkiye, on Monday to prepare for UEFA Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia. The SFV stated it would reassess Xhaka's situation after the international window concludes. Sunderland manager Regis le Bris declined to comment on the allegations, focusing solely on Xhaka's football performance.

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that Granit Xhaka, Switzerland's record appearance holder with 152 caps, admitted to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. His public statement on social media, where he expressed "mistrust" towards the vaccine and acknowledged being "influenced by worries and uncertainty," serves as direct evidence of his actions. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) corroborated this, confirming Xhaka's direct communication to them regarding the situation and his intent to take public responsibility. SFV President Peter Knaebel's statement on Monday, September 21, 2026, explicitly welcomed Xhaka's decision to "take this step" and confirmed the joint decision for his withdrawal from the national team camp.

Furthermore, the public prosecutor's office of Lucerne has confirmed an active criminal investigation into Xhaka for allegedly obtaining a forged COVID-19 certificate. This investigation aims to determine if any criminal behavior occurred in 2022, the period when such certificates were often necessary for travel abroad and access to various activities in Switzerland. The Swiss office of public health confirmed that while a general legal requirement for certificates did not exist, they were crucial for meeting entry requirements for international travel and accessing certain venues until spring 2022. Xhaka's commitment to "fully co-operate with the relevant authorities" further supports the ongoing legal process and his acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.

Where the Accounts Conflict

The primary accounts from Al Jazeera and BBC largely align on the core facts: Granit Xhaka's admission, his withdrawal from the Swiss national team, and the ongoing criminal investigation. Both outlets cite Xhaka's social media statement and the Swiss Football Association's (SFV) confirmation. However, there are minor differences in emphasis and detail. Al Jazeera highlights Xhaka's "agitated emotional state" when acquiring the certificate, while BBC focuses on his "mistrust" towards the vaccine and being "influenced by worries and uncertainty." These are subtle variations in describing Xhaka's internal motivations, but they do not contradict the central fact of his admission.

Another minor divergence is in the specific dates of the alleged offense. Al Jazeera's report implies the certificate was acquired in a general "agitated emotional state," while the BBC explicitly states the 33-year-old is "alleged to have obtained the certificate in 2022." The BBC also provides more specific context regarding the Swiss public health office's stance on certificate requirements, noting they were needed for travel and access until spring 2022, and continued to be issued for international travel thereafter. Neither source provides conflicting information from Xhaka's legal team or other independent parties, suggesting a consistent narrative from the player and the SFV regarding the immediate events and the ongoing investigation.

Context and Stakes

Granit Xhaka's admission carries significant implications for his career and the reputation of Swiss football. As the captain and all-time record appearance holder for Switzerland with 152 caps, his actions set a precedent for ethical conduct within the sport. The alleged acquisition of a fake certificate in 2022 occurred during a period when COVID-19 restrictions were still prevalent globally, and vaccination certificates were often mandatory for international travel, including for professional athletes. This context underscores the potential legal and professional ramifications, as forging such a document could constitute a criminal offense under Swiss law, as indicated by the Lucerne public prosecutor's office.

The immediate stake is Xhaka's participation in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia. His withdrawal, though framed as a joint decision, removes a key leader and experienced player from the squad during a competitive international window. Beyond the immediate sporting impact, the ongoing criminal investigation could lead to fines, a criminal record, or even a ban from football, depending on the findings and the severity of the legal judgment. For Sunderland, his club, the situation creates an unwelcome distraction, though manager Regis le Bris has attempted to compartmentalize it by focusing solely on Xhaka's on-field performance. The incident also highlights the broader societal tensions and debates surrounding vaccine mandates and personal freedoms that characterized the pandemic era.

What to Watch Next

The immediate focus will be on the progress of the criminal investigation initiated by the public prosecutor's office of Lucerne. Xhaka has pledged full cooperation, and the outcome of this legal process will determine the extent of any penalties he may face, which could range from fines to more severe sanctions. The timeline for this investigation is currently unspecified, but any formal charges or legal proceedings will be closely monitored. His club, Sunderland, will also be watching closely, as any legal repercussions could impact his availability for Premier League matches.

Concurrently, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) has stated it will "reassess the situation with Xhaka after the conclusion of the international window." This reassessment, expected in early October after the Nations League matches, will determine his future with the national team. Key factors will likely include the findings of the legal investigation, Xhaka's continued public conduct, and the team's performance in his absence. Observers will also be keen to see if Xhaka issues any further statements or if additional details emerge regarding the circumstances of the certificate's acquisition. The reaction from fans and sponsors, both for the national team and Sunderland, will also be a factor in how the SFV and Xhaka navigate the coming weeks.

Bottom Line

Swiss national football captain Granit Xhaka has admitted to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022, leading to his immediate withdrawal from the national team's upcoming international fixtures. This admission has triggered a criminal investigation by the Lucerne public prosecutor's office into allegations of forging a document. Xhaka, a prominent figure in Swiss football, expressed regret for his actions, citing an "agitated emotional state" and "mistrust" towards the vaccine at the time. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has acknowledged his responsibility and will review his national team status after the current international window concludes.

The incident places Xhaka under significant legal and professional scrutiny, with potential consequences ranging from fines to sporting sanctions. His absence from the national squad during crucial UEFA Nations League matches underscores the immediate impact on the team. The situation highlights the lingering complexities and legal ramifications associated with pandemic-era health mandates and the integrity of official documentation. All eyes will be on the legal proceedings and the SFV's subsequent decision regarding Xhaka's future with the national team, which will likely be influenced by the investigation's findings and public perception.