Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has publicly acknowledged that he obtained a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate back in 2022. The veteran midfielder, who currently plays for Sunderland, stated that he deeply regretted his actions and confirmed that he would cooperate fully with Swiss authorities as they investigate the ongoing legal case.
The 33-year-old made his startling admission on Monday through a personal statement posted on his official Instagram account. The public confession came just several days after the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office officially confirmed that criminal proceedings had been launched over a suspected fraudulent COVID certificate scheme connected to the prominent player.
In his candid statement, Xhaka explained that he had experienced profound uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic, admitting that he was dealing with intense fear, mistrust, and widespread ambiguity surrounding the immunization efforts at the time.
"Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry," Xhaka wrote in his public address. He further emphasized that he fully accepts accountability for the decision he made years ago and is actively cooperating with the relevant legal authorities handling the probe.
The admission follows months of intensifying scrutiny and investigative reporting by Swiss media outlets, which reported that prosecutors were actively looking into whether Xhaka had procured a false vaccination certification or was otherwise involved in document forgery.
Investigation linked to Lucerne doctor
The legal proceedings facing the Swiss national team captain are directly tied to a broader, ongoing investigation centered around a medical doctor in Lucerne. The practitioner is suspected of systematically issuing fraudulent COVID-19 certificates during the pandemic.
Swiss law enforcement authorities reportedly raided the doctor’s medical practice in 2023, seizing numerous documents, patient registries, and COVID-related health records. Following the seizure, investigators initiated formal legal proceedings involving both the doctor and high-profile individuals who allegedly utilized the services, including Xhaka. The doctor in question has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the course of the investigation.
The Lucerne public prosecutor’s office stated that the core objective of the inquiry is to determine whether criminally relevant conduct occurred regarding the potential procurement of false health certifications and document forgery. According to local Swiss media reports, Xhaka is scheduled to be formally questioned by prosecutors in early October as the case progresses.
Xhaka’s recent admission has also served to clarify previous confusion surrounding official vaccination records. Earlier documentation had indicated that the midfielder was vaccinated in January and November of 2022. During that period, Xhaka was featuring prominently for Premier League club Arsenal before his subsequent career moves.
Swiss authorities have repeatedly stressed that the investigation remains entirely ongoing. Under Swiss law, Xhaka remains fully entitled to the presumption of innocence. As of Monday, no final legal verdict, ruling, or formal sanction has been announced by the prosecuting authorities.
Xhaka withdraws from Switzerland squad
In the immediate aftermath of Xhaka’s public statement, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced that the team captain would not travel to join the national team’s training camp in Belek, Türkiye, ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The decision to omit the captain from the roster was reached jointly by Xhaka and the senior leadership of the SFV. Association officials explained that the primary priority was maintaining stability within the national squad, allowing the players and coaching staff to remain fully focused on their upcoming competitive fixtures without external distractions.
Consequently, Xhaka is set to miss a crucial block of four Nations League matches. His absence includes challenging away fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland, alongside pivotal home matches against Slovenia and a return fixture against North Macedonia.
SFV President Peter Knabel revealed that Xhaka had proactively informed the federation about the developing situation prior to publishing his statement on social media. Knabel welcomed the midfielder’s willingness to take public responsibility for his past actions.
Significantly, Knabel noted that federation leadership has held no discussions regarding stripping Xhaka of the Switzerland captaincy. The SFV plans to comprehensively reassess the situation and consult directly with the player once the upcoming international window concludes.
A significant absence for Switzerland
Xhaka’s sudden absence serves as a massive blow to the Swiss national team, leaving the squad without its most-capped men’s international player. Having made an astonishing 152 appearances for his country, Xhaka has anchored the midfield and worn the captain’s armband for several years, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in modern Swiss football history.
The player’s iconic status within the national setup naturally gives the unfolding controversy immense sporting significance, though the SFV has deliberately refrained from implementing any permanent disciplinary measures against him at this early stage.
The controversy itself dates back to 2022 when Xhaka was starring for Arsenal in the English Premier League. During the height of the global health crisis, Swiss authorities implemented mandatory COVID certificates to regulate public access to specific activities, venues, and public spaces, while similar vaccination documentation was frequently mandated for international travel. These strict public health measures were eventually scaled back and phased out as the pandemic subsided.
Historical records also indicate that Xhaka previously tested positive for COVID-19 back in September 2022, which forced him to miss vital international fixtures for Switzerland during that specific international break.
Legal analysts point out that the current criminal investigation does not concern Xhaka’s athletic performances, leadership on the field, or conduct within club football. Instead, prosecutors are solely examining whether the specific circumstances surrounding the acquisition of his certificate amount to a punishable offense under Swiss penal law. Xhaka has openly acknowledged obtaining the document and reiterated his commitment to full transparency with the investigating magistrates.