Lede: Granit Xhaka admitted receiving a fake Covid vaccination certificate in 2022, leading to his withdrawal from Switzerland’s national squad. The Sunderland and Switzerland captain has been removed from the team and will sit out the four Nations League matches. He apologized for what he called a mistake and now faces questioning by the prosecutor’s office in Lucerne next week.
Expanding: The incident stems from a period when Xhaka was still playing for Arsenal. Swiss authorities are investigating a doctor based in Lucerne connected to multiple false Covid certificates issued during the pandemic. That doctor was first investigated in 2023 and has denied the allegations. Xhaka’s admission adds further weight to an ongoing probe that could result in criminal charges.
Key Facts
- Granit Xhaka admitted receiving a fake Covid vaccination certificate in 2022.
- Switzerland withdrew him from its national squad following the admission.
- He will miss four Nations League matches for his country.
- A prosecutor’s office in Lucerne plans to question him next week.
- The investigation involves a doctor accused of issuing false Covid certificates nationwide.
The Story
What happens next?
Granit Xhaka is set to be questioned by the prosecutor’s office in Lucerne next week. Authorities are determining whether criminal proceedings will be initiated related to the use of a fake Covid vaccination certificate. The doctor at the center of the scandal was first investigated in 2023 and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The investigation appears to extend beyond just one player. Reports suggest a broader scheme involving false Covid certifications issued by a single practitioner. Should prosecutors pursue charges, it could have consequences for others potentially linked to the case.
Who is affected?
Switzerland’s national team is directly impacted by Xhaka’s suspension. As captain, his absence from four Nations League matches removes a key leader from the squad during a crucial phase of competition.
The scandal also affects the integrity of Switzerland’s public health documentation system during the pandemic era. If more individuals obtained fake certificates through the same source, it raises questions about oversight and accountability in official health protocols.
How did we get here?
Xhaka’s situation traces back to 2022, when he allegedly acquired a falsified Covid vaccination certificate while still at Arsenal. At the time, such documents were required for domestic and international travel, as well as access to certain venues.
The certificate was reportedly tied to a doctor operating out of Lucerne. That doctor’s practice came under scrutiny in 2023 amid claims of widespread distribution of bogus health documents. Swiss prosecutors have since been reviewing the scope of the misconduct.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Granit Xhaka admitted to receiving a fake Covid vaccination certificate in 2022.
- He was withdrawn from the Switzerland national squad.
- He will miss four Nations League matches.
- He is scheduled to be questioned by prosecutors in Lucerne.
- A doctor linked to the case was investigated in 2023 and denies the allegations.
Still unconfirmed:
- Whether criminal charges will ultimately be filed against Xhaka.
- The full extent of the doctor’s involvement or other clients involved.
- Exact timeline of when the fake certificate was obtained or used.
- Any financial or personal motivations behind the acquisition of the certificate.
Why It Matters
The use of fake health documentation undermines public trust in vaccination programs and regulatory systems. In elite sports, where compliance is mandatory for international competition, violations like these threaten both athlete eligibility and institutional credibility. This case highlights the need for robust verification mechanisms even after crises subside.
What To Watch
Authorities in Lucerne are expected to conclude their review shortly, which may determine whether formal charges are brought. Any developments in the broader investigation into the doctor’s activities could reveal additional implications.