Granit Xhaka admits receiving fake Covid vaccination certificate in 2022

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has admitted obtaining a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022, describing the decision as a “mistake”. The Switzerland international has been withdrawn from the national squad and will miss four upcoming Nations League matches. According to The Guardian, Xhaka is due to be questioned by prosecutors in Lucerne over the alleged fraudulent certification.

Xhaka, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, said he had serious concerns about the vaccine but accepted responsibility for his decision. If charged and convicted, he could face a substantial fine and, theoretically, up to five years in prison, although a custodial sentence is considered highly unlikely.