Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has pulled out of the national team’s next games after confessing that he used forged vaccination paperwork during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sunderland midfielder issued an apology and called his choice a mistake.
The Swiss Football Association verified that Xhaka, the most capped player in the nation’s history, will be absent for the opening Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia.
Granit Xhaka leaves the Switzerland squad
Media outlets in Switzerland reported that Xhaka, 33, acquired a counterfeit vaccination certificate during the pandemic from a doctor who is currently being investigated by authorities. Swiss publication Blick reported that the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office had launched proceedings involving the former Arsenal captain, who is anticipated to be questioned next month.
Xhaka commented on the matter in an Instagram statement, saying he had experienced a profound distrust of the vaccine and opted to secure a vaccination certificate instead of resolving his unanswered questions through proper means. He recognised that this was the wrong choice and apologised for his conduct.
The midfielder further stated that he accepts responsibility and is now navigating the process of clarifying the facts. Xhaka confirmed that he is fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities.
Nations League games without Granit Xhaka
The Swiss Football Association announced that Xhaka would not participate in the forthcoming international fixtures. The decision was made jointly following a meeting between the player and the organisation.
Xhaka has appeared for Switzerland 152 times, making him the country’s record appearance holder. He also led the team to the World Cup quarter-finals this summer.
Swiss football president Peter Knabel stated that the decision was taken with the team’s best interests in mind. He added that Xhaka might potentially return for the November internationals, contingent on how the situation evolves.
Switzerland squad to reassess situation in November
Knabel said the Swiss Football Association supported Xhaka’s decision to confront the consequences of his actions. The organisation and the player agreed that the current training camp should proceed without him.
The situation will be evaluated after the current international window, when Xhaka and the Swiss Football Association will deliberate on what happens next.
The Switzerland captain’s absence consequently leaves the national team without its record appearance holder for the beginning of its Nations League campaign, while his potential involvement in November will hinge on the outcome of the ongoing process.