Granit Xhaka Confesses to Using Fake Covid Vaccination Certificates
Granit Xhaka has confessed to obtaining coronavirus vaccination certificates without ever receiving the jab, a revelation that has triggered a criminal investigation in Switzerland and cost him his place at the next national team camp.
The Switzerland captain, now with Sunderland, laid out his admission in a stark Instagram statement on Monday, describing a period of deep mistrust and fear around the Covid-19 vaccine.
“At the time, I was personally very uncertain about the Covid-19 vaccine and had serious reservations,” he wrote, adding that he felt “a deep distrust” and was “overcome by fears and uncertainty”.
That anxiety, he said, drove him to a serious breach of trust.
“In this state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the proper channels,” Xhaka admitted.
The confession comes days after police in Lucerne confirmed the 31-year-old is under criminal investigation on suspicion of obtaining fake coronavirus vaccination certificates. According to Swiss media, the documents are alleged to have come from his doctor, who is also being investigated for issuing the certificates.
The consequences arrived quickly.
“Today, I clearly see that this was not the right path to take. It was a mistake. I’m sorry,” Xhaka said. “I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to addressing the facts of the matter, and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.”
Swiss outlet Blick reported that Xhaka contracted Covid-19 in 2021 and again in early 2022, despite being registered as vaccinated.
The Swiss Football Federation responded within hours of his public admission. In a brief statement, it confirmed that Xhaka will not join the upcoming men’s national team training camp, drawing a sharp line under the affair for now.
For the national captain, the next time he pulls on the Switzerland shirt now depends as much on legal outcomes and trust rebuilt as on performances on the pitch.
