Granit Xhaka Admits to Fake Covid Vaccination Certificates

Granit Xhaka has publicly admitted he obtained coronavirus vaccination certificates without ever receiving the jab, a confession that has triggered a criminal investigation in Switzerland and cost him his place at the next national team camp.

The Switzerland captain and Sunderland midfielder laid out his version of events in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday, saying he had been gripped by fear and mistrust when Covid-19 vaccinations were rolled out.

“At the time, I was personally very uncertain about the Covid-19 vaccine and had serious reservations,” Xhaka wrote, describing how he felt “a deep distrust” and was “overcome by fears and uncertainty”.

That anxiety, he said, led him down the wrong road.

“In this state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the proper channels,” he admitted.

The admission comes days after police in Lucerne confirmed Xhaka is under criminal investigation on suspicion of obtaining fake coronavirus vaccination certificates. Local media have reported that the certificates allegedly came from his doctor, who is also being investigated for issuing the documents.

Xhaka did not dispute the seriousness of his actions. He called it a clear error of judgment.

“Today, I clearly see that this was not the right path to take. It was a mistake. I’m sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to addressing the facts of the matter, and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities,” he said.

The midfielder has previously contracted Covid-19 twice, in 2021 and early 2022, according to Swiss outlet Blick, underscoring the personal backdrop to his reluctance over the vaccine.

His confession prompted a swift reaction from the Swiss Football Federation. In a statement, the federation announced that Xhaka will not join the upcoming men’s national team training camp, a significant step involving the long-serving captain of the side.

For a player who has long been at the heart of Switzerland’s modern era, the next chapter will now be played out not only on the pitch, but also in front of investigators.