Swiss Prosecutor Probes Xhaka Over Alleged Forged Covid Certificate
Swiss prosecutors are investigating Granit Xhaka over allegations he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The Sunderland midfielder has apologized, saying he had mistrust of the vaccine and made a mistake. He will cooperate with authorities.
The investigation stems from an incident in 2022 when Xhaka was at Arsenal. The certificate was needed for travel and access to venues, though not a general legal mandate. His apology cites mistrust and uncertainty. He has withdrawn from Switzerland's upcoming Nations League matches, a decision made jointly with management.
The case echoes a prior Swiss sports figure, Patrick Fischer, who was fined 38,000 francs and later banned for four years by the IIHF after using a fake certificate. Xhaka, Switzerland's most-capped player, faces an unclear legal outcome. His club manager, Regis le Bris, declined to comment, focusing only on his football performance.
This case could affect public trust in both vaccination mandates and the integrity of sports figures. As a prominent captain, Xhaka's admission may reinforce skepticism about vaccine policies, while also demonstrating accountability. The legal outcome may set a precedent for similar cases, influencing how authorities handle certificate fraud. Fans and younger audiences may see consequences for personal choices, potentially shaping their own decisions regarding health regulations.