The Swiss Football Association has confirmed that Granit Xhaka, captain of the national team, will not join the current international camp after admitting that he obtained a COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022 despite not receiving the vaccine.
The decision followed a meeting between Xhaka and the association's leadership after the player informed officials about the matter and said he would address it publicly and take responsibility.
The association said the decision was reached jointly with Xhaka, with the aim of allowing the national team to focus on its upcoming fixtures. His situation will be reassessed after the current international window.
Xhaka Admits Obtaining a COVID Vaccination Certificate
In a statement published on Instagram, Granit Xhaka acknowledged that he obtained a vaccination certificate during the COVID-19 pandemic despite not receiving the vaccine.
The midfielder explained that he had serious concerns and deep distrust regarding the vaccine at the time. He now says that his decision was wrong, described it as a mistake, apologized and accepted responsibility while pledging to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.
Criminal Investigation Into Granit Xhaka
The Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor's Office is investigating the case to determine whether criminal conduct occurred, including possible fraudulent acquisition of false certification and/or document forgery involving COVID certificates.
The investigation was opened before Xhaka's public admission, and the player is expected to be questioned by the relevant authorities.
Xhaka remains protected by the presumption of innocence unless and until a final judicial decision establishes otherwise.
Xhaka Could Face a Maximum of Five Years in Prison
Reports concerning the case indicate that document forgery under Swiss law can, depending on the circumstances, carry a fine or a prison sentence of up to five years.
However, five years is only a theoretical maximum and is not a sentence imposed on Xhaka. Any eventual penalty would depend on the findings of the investigation, the legal proceedings and the specific offense established by the authorities or courts.
Xhaka's Future With Switzerland
The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka will miss the current camp and said his situation will be reviewed after the international window.
The decision comes as Switzerland prepares for its upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, while Xhaka continues to cooperate with authorities over the investigation into the COVID vaccination certificate.
Why was Granit Xhaka dropped from Switzerland's camp?
He was left out after admitting that he obtained a COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022 despite not receiving the vaccine.
Has Granit Xhaka been convicted?
No. The investigation is ongoing, and Xhaka remains protected by the presumption of innocence pending a final judicial decision.
Could Xhaka receive a five-year prison sentence?
Five years is a theoretical maximum for certain document-forgery offenses under Swiss law, not a sentence imposed on Xhaka.
Did Granit Xhaka apologize?
Yes. Xhaka apologized, described his decision as a mistake, accepted responsibility and said he would cooperate with the authorities.
