Granit Xhaka Admits to Using Fake Covid Vaccination Certificates

Granit Xhaka has admitted he obtained Covid-19 vaccination certificates without ever receiving the jab, a confession that has triggered a criminal investigation in Switzerland and his removal from the next national team camp.

The Switzerland captain and Sunderland midfielder laid out his actions and his state of mind in a lengthy Instagram statement on Monday, describing how fear and distrust drove him to a serious breach of the rules.

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

Instead of seeking medical advice, he chose a shortcut.

“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 that Xhaka is under criminal investigation on suspicion of obtaining fake coronavirus vaccination certificates. According to Swiss media reports, the certificates allegedly came from his doctor, who is also being investigated for providing the documents.

The case cuts to the heart of the trust placed in high-profile athletes during the pandemic. Xhaka, one of Switzerland’s most recognisable players, had already battled Covid-19 twice — in 2021 and early 2022, according to Blick — yet still chose to circumvent the vaccination process.

Once the confession went public, the football consequences followed quickly.

The Swiss Football Federation announced that Xhaka will not take part in the upcoming men’s national team training camp, distancing the squad from the storm now surrounding their captain while the legal process unfolds.

Xhaka, 31, did not try to dilute his responsibility.

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

The investigation will decide the legal outcome. The bigger question now is whether the captain of Switzerland can rebuild the trust he has just admitted to breaking.