Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (around 1.7 crore rupees) for obtaining a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate, with the midfielder saying he accepts the decision and takes responsibility for his actions.
Xhaka, 34, said on Thursday that the fine will not be enforced provided he does not commit another offence during a two-year probationary period. He has already paid the associated court costs.
The fraudulent certificate was obtained in 2022 when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal, according to multiple reports. The midfielder acknowledged the matter in September, describing his decision as a mistake and saying he had a deep mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine at the time.
XHAKA ACCEPTS DECISION
Xhaka said he had previously committed to taking responsibility and maintained that position after the public prosecutor’s decision was issued.
“A few weeks ago, I spoke personally here and said that I would take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” Xhaka said in a social media post.
“After I gave a full statement to the public prosecutor’s office, the public prosecutor’s decision has now been issued. I accept the decision and take responsibility for my actions.”
Xhaka also thanked those who had supported him during the process.
The former Arsenal midfielder has won a record 152 caps for Switzerland but was left out of the national team for four UEFA Nations League matches in the second-tier group following his admission. Switzerland won all four games while Xhaka remained away from the squad as he dealt with the case in Lucerne.
His future with the national team remains unclear.
SWITZERLAND TO REASSESS
Swiss Football Association president Peter Knabel said Xhaka’s situation would be reassessed following the current international window.
“We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences,” Knabel said. “At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him.”
Knabel added that Xhaka’s status would be discussed again after the international break.
“After the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the next steps.”
Xhaka, who also captains Sunderland, remains one of Switzerland’s most experienced players. His 152 international appearances make him the country’s record appearance holder, but his return to the national setup will now depend on discussions between the player and the Swiss Football Association.
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