Granit Xhaka given suspended fine for fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine certificate

Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been given a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (around 1.7 million 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 would not be enforced unless he committed another offense during his two-year probationary period. He has already paid the court costs associated with it.

According to multiple reports, the fraudulent certificate was obtained in 2022 when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal. The midfielder acknowledged the matter in September, describing his decision as a mistake and saying he had a deep distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine at the time.

XHAKA MAKES THE DECISION

Xhaka stated that he had previously pledged to take responsibility and maintained this position even after the public prosecutor’s decision was issued.

“A few weeks ago I personally spoke here and said that I will take responsibility for my decision. I stand by it,” Xhaka said in a post on the social network.

“After I made my full statement to the public prosecutor’s office, the prosecutor’s decision has now been issued. I accept the decision and take responsibility for my actions.”

Xhaka also thanked those who supported him throughout the process.

The former Arsenal midfielder won a record 152 caps for Switzerland but was left out of the national squad for four UEFA Nations League matches in the second division group after his appointment. Switzerland won all four matches while Xhaka remained out of the squad as he dealt with a case in Lucerne.

His future with the national team remains unclear.

SWITZERLAND REVIEW

Swiss Football Association president Peter Knabel said Xhaka’s situation would be reassessed after the current international window.

“We welcome that Granit took this step and faced the consequences,” Knabel said. “At the same time, we came to the conclusion together that it is in the interest of the team to go through this training without him.”

Knabel added that Xhaka’s status will be discussed again after the international break.

“Once this international match window closes, we will reassess the situation together with Granite 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 record holder for the country, but his return to the national set-up will now depend on discussions between the player and the Swiss Football Association.

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