Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka receives a suspended fine over a fraudulent 2022 Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine by Swiss authorities following an investigation into a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate obtained back in 2022 while he was still playing for Arsenal.
The former Arsenal star and Switzerland captain was sentenced by the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office to 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs, totaling approximately £136,000, alongside a two-year probation period, according to information published by punchng.
The punishment will only be enforced if the 34-year-old midfielder commits another offense during this probation period, allowing him to continue his professional football career without an immediate ban.
Granit Xhaka accepts responsibility for fake Covid certificate
Granit Xhaka announced the legal decision himself, confirming that he has accepted the judgment and taken full responsibility for his past actions regarding the pandemic document.
In an official statement, the Switzerland captain explained that he gave a full statement to prosecutors, paid all legal costs, and accepted the ruling without contesting the court's decision.
Reflecting on the incident, Xhaka admitted in September that he had been deeply uncertain about the vaccine at the time and recognized that obtaining a fake certificate was a serious mistake.
Legal consequences and Swiss Football Association response
The criminal investigation was originally launched by Swiss prosecutors after widespread allegations emerged concerning fraudulent Covid certificates issued during the global health crisis.
As a direct result of the ongoing inquiry at the time, Xhaka temporarily withdrew from the Switzerland international squad while authorities conducted their thorough investigation.
The Swiss Football Association confirmed it is fully aware of the recent court decision, noting that this legal conclusion now opens the door for new discussions regarding his international future.
Impact on Xhaka career at Sunderland and Switzerland
Despite the high-profile legal penalty, the suspended nature of the sentence ensures there is currently no football ban or sporting suspension arising from the criminal judgment.
Xhaka currently plays as a key midfielder for Sunderland in the English Premier League and continues to wear the armband as the captain of the Swiss national football team.
Having apologized for bypassing proper health channels and cooperating fully with investigators, the veteran player has now put the legal chapter behind him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Granit Xhaka fined £136,000?
Granit Xhaka received a suspended fine equivalent to about £136,000 from the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office for purchasing a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
Does Granit Xhaka face a football ban?
No, the sentence handed to the Sunderland midfielder is suspended with a two-year probation period, meaning there is currently no football ban or sporting suspension.
What did Granit Xhaka say about the fake certificate?
Xhaka accepted full responsibility for his actions, admitted that obtaining the certificate instead of addressing his vaccine concerns properly was a mistake, and apologized publicly.
Which teams does Granit Xhaka currently play for?
Granit Xhaka currently plays for English club Sunderland in the Premier League and serves as the captain of the Switzerland national football team.
