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Xhaka under investigation over Covid-19 certificate
Confirmed
In Short: Switzerland's soccer captain Granit Xhaka will miss the national team's upcoming matches after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Xhaka, 33, made the admission in a public statement on social media, where he expressed regret for his actions.
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) said Xhaka informed them about the situation and agreed to withdraw from the upcoming training camp and matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.
Xhaka stated that he was uncertain about the vaccine and had serious reservations at the time, leading him to obtain a certificate without being vaccinated.
He acknowledged that he should have clarified his concerns through proper channels instead of acquiring a fake certificate.
Xhaka said he is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and taking responsibility for his actions.
SFV president Peter Knaebel welcomed Xhaka's willingness to take responsibility and said the association will reassess the situation after the international window.
The Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor's Office is investigating Xhaka for possible criminal behavior in obtaining a false or forged certificate.
The investigation could lead to charges ranging from fines to up to five years in prison for document forgery.
Xhaka's doctor is also under investigation for allegedly providing the fake certificates.
The controversy highlights the use of fraudulent certificates during the pandemic when such documents were required for travel and other activities.
Xhaka's admission comes as the SFV and the Lucerne public prosecutor's office work to determine the full extent of the incident and its implications.
What's confirmed
- Xhaka, 33, made the admission in a public statement on social media, where he expressed regret for his actions.
- The Swiss Football Association (SFV) said Xhaka informed them about the situation and agreed to withdraw from the upcoming training camp and matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.
- Xhaka stated that he was uncertain about the vaccine and had serious reservations at the time, leading him to obtain a certificate without being vaccinated.
- He acknowledged that he should have clarified his concerns through proper channels instead of acquiring a fake certificate.
- Xhaka said he is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and taking responsibility for his actions.
- SFV president Peter Knaebel welcomed Xhaka's willingness to take responsibility and said the association will reassess the situation after the international window.
- The Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor's Office is investigating Xhaka for possible criminal behavior in obtaining a false or forged certificate.
- The investigation could lead to charges ranging from fines to up to five years in prison for document forgery.
- Xhaka's doctor is also under investigation for allegedly providing the fake certificates.
- The controversy highlights the use of fraudulent certificates during the pandemic when such documents were required for travel and other activities.
- Xhaka's admission comes as the SFV and the Lucerne public prosecutor's office work to determine the full extent of the incident and its implications.
What's still developing
- The decision was reached jointly by the player and the SFV leadership after Xhaka issued a public statement acknowledging his actions.
- “In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path,” Xhaka wrote in a statement on social media.
- After that point, Covid-19 certificates continued to be issued, primarily to enable members of the public to meet entry requirements when travelling abroad.
- Granit Xhaka captained Switzerland at the World Cup earlier this year Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka is under investigation by Swiss prosecutors over allegations he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
- The 33-year-old is alleged to have obtained the certificate in 2022, when it was a requirement in Switzerland for some travel abroad.
- It added the decision to withdraw had been made jointly by the player and management and that they would discuss Xhaka's future with the team after the international window.
- “In this state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the proper channels,” Xhaka wrote.
- “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,” Xhaka said.
- Xhaka contracted coronavirus in 2021 and early 2022, the Blick newspaper said.
- BERLIN, Sept 21 — Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka admitted that he obtained coronavirus vaccination certificates without actually being vaccinated, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
- Last week, police in the city of Lucerne confirmed that the Sunderland player is under criminal investigation on suspicion of obtaining fake coronavirus vaccination certificates.
- Sunderland and Switzerland star Granit Xhaka has admitted that he obtained a fake Covid jab certificate during the pandemic and could face a jail sentence as a result.