Xhaka admits fake vaccine certificate

The Sunderland and Switzerland captain obtained a fraudulent Covid vaccination certificate in 2022 while playing for Arsenal. He has apologized and called it a mistake.

“It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision.”

Vaccine hesitancy drove the decision

Xhaka said he had serious concerns about the Covid-19 vaccine and felt deep distrust. Instead of seeking clarification, he obtained a fake certificate in an emotionally turbulent state.

“I felt deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty.”

Swiss prosecutor investigating doctor

Xhaka will be questioned by the prosecutor's office in Lucerne next week. A doctor in the Swiss city is under investigation for allegedly issuing a series of false Covid certificates during the pandemic.

Potential criminal charges and penalties

If charged, Xhaka could face a heavy fine or theoretically a five-year prison sentence. However, imprisonment is understood to be extremely unlikely.

Withdrawn from Nations League matches

Xhaka has been removed from Switzerland's squad for four upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. The Swiss FA said it was in the team's interests to complete the camp without him.

“We jointly concluded that it is in the team's interests to complete the entire camp without him.”

Arsenal connection, Sunderland now

Xhaka was with Arsenal when he obtained the certificate in 2022. He later joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and arrived at Sunderland two years later. Sunderland declined to comment on the matter.