Granit Xhaka Admits to Using Fake Covid Vaccination Certificates
Granit Xhaka has publicly admitted he obtained coronavirus vaccination certificates without ever receiving the jab, a confession that has triggered a criminal investigation in Switzerland and his removal from the next national team camp.
The Switzerland captain addressed the issue in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday, explaining why he chose a forged certificate during the height of the pandemic.
“At the time, I was personally very uncertain about the Covid-19 vaccine and had serious reservations,” he wrote. He described feeling “a deep distrust” and said he was “overcome by fears and uncertainty”.
That fear led him down the wrong road.
“In this state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the proper channels,” Xhaka admitted.
Police in Lucerne confirmed last week that the Sunderland midfielder is under criminal investigation on suspicion of obtaining fake coronavirus vaccination certificates. Local media reported that the certificates allegedly came from his doctor, who is also being investigated on suspicion of issuing the falsified documents.
The 31-year-old did not try to soften his admission.
“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,” he said.
According to Swiss newspaper Blick, Xhaka contracted Covid-19 twice, in 2021 and early 2022, during a period when vaccination rules and public scrutiny around professional athletes were at their peak.
The fallout was immediate on the national team front.
Following his confession, the Swiss Football Federation announced that Xhaka will not take part in the upcoming men’s national team training camp, drawing a clear line as the investigation gathers pace and their captain faces a storm that now stretches well beyond the pitch.
