🇨🇭 Xhaka Left Out of Switzerland Squad
Switzerland have left captain Granit Xhaka out of their squad for the upcoming international fixtures following his admission that he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic.
Xhaka’s absence was confirmed alongside the announcement of Switzerland’s squad for the start of their UEFA Nations League campaign, ruling out one of the most experienced players in the national team.
📢 Xhaka Admits Mistake and Apologizes
Granit Xhaka issued an apology on Instagram and admitted that his decision during the pandemic was wrong.
The midfielder explained that he had developed a deep lack of trust in the vaccine at the time and chose to obtain a vaccination certificate instead of addressing his concerns through official channels.
Xhaka said he now clearly recognizes that his decision was wrong, accepted responsibility for his actions and pledged to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities during the proceedings.
⚖️ Swiss Authorities Investigate the Case
According to Swiss media reports, the 33-year-old Xhaka obtained a fake vaccination certificate during the COVID-19 pandemic from a doctor who is currently under investigation by the authorities.
Swiss newspaper Blick reported that the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation connected to the case involving the former Arsenal captain, with Xhaka reportedly expected to be questioned by authorities next month.
The developments have created an ongoing legal matter alongside the decision to keep him out of the current national team camp.
🚫 Xhaka to Miss Nations League Fixtures
The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka will not take part in the upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia.
The decision comes despite his importance to the national team, with Xhaka holding the record for the most international appearances for Switzerland at 152 caps.
He had also captained Switzerland to the World Cup quarter-finals this summer, making his absence from the current camp particularly notable.
🗣️ Swiss Federation Explains Xhaka Decision
Peter Knäbel, president of the Swiss Football Association, said the decision to leave Xhaka out of the current camp was reached in coordination with the player and the federation.
Knäbel explained that the interests of the national team required Switzerland to complete the current camp without its captain.
He added that the situation will be reassessed after the current international break, with further discussions to take place with the player.
Knäbel also indicated that Xhaka could potentially return for the November international fixtures, depending on developments in the case and the federation’s subsequent assessment.
🏆 Switzerland Face Four Nations League Matches
Switzerland are scheduled to play four Nations League matches during the current international window.
They begin away against North Macedonia on September 26, followed by an away match against Scotland on September 29.
The Swiss side will then host Slovenia on October 3, before facing North Macedonia again on October 6.
With Xhaka unavailable, the coaching staff will rely on the remaining squad members during the four-match sequence, while his future with the national team remains linked to the ongoing case and the next steps taken by the authorities and federation.
