Granit Xhaka Admits to Using Fake Covid Vaccination Certificates

Granit Xhaka has confessed to obtaining coronavirus vaccination certificates without ever receiving the jab, a revelation that has triggered a criminal investigation in Switzerland and cost him his place in the next national team camp.

The Switzerland captain, now with Sunderland, laid out his admission in a candid Instagram post on Monday, describing a period of deep mistrust and fear during the pandemic.

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

That anxiety led him down a path he now openly calls a mistake.

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

The confession comes days after police in Lucerne confirmed the 31-year-old is under criminal investigation on suspicion of obtaining fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates. According to local media, the documents allegedly came from his doctor, who is also being investigated for issuing the falsified certificates.

The midfielder did not try to soften the admission.

“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 wrote.

Swiss newspaper Blick reported that Xhaka contracted coronavirus twice, in 2021 and early 2022.

The fallout was swift. After his public statement, the Swiss Football Federation announced that Xhaka will not take part in the upcoming men’s national team training camp, a significant step for a player who has long been at the heart of the squad’s identity and leadership.

For Switzerland, and for their captain, the next moves will unfold not on the pitch, but in the courts and corridors of football governance.