Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka has been given a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) after being convicted of acquiring a counterfeit Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The Switzerland international, who was representing Arsenal during that period, has acknowledged the verdict and states he accepts responsibility for what he did.
The 34-year-old received the punishment through a summary judgment concerning a certificate allegedly procured in 2022, at a time when such paperwork was mandatory for specific kinds of international journeys. The fine will stay suspended for two years, as long as Xhaka does not commit any further violations. He has additionally covered the court expenses.
Granit Xhaka accepts the Covid certificate ruling
Xhaka discussed the matter in a German-language Instagram post, restating his dedication to owning up to his choice.
“A few weeks ago, I spoke personally here and said that I would take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” he wrote.
The midfielder clarified that the court had issued a suspended fine made up of 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs (£2,726) each. He verified that he accepted the ruling and recognized his conduct.
Xhaka also expressed gratitude to those who had reached out with supportive messages throughout the controversy, stating their encouragement meant a great deal to him.
Switzerland Covid rules and vaccination certificate
The case concerns events from 2022, when Xhaka voiced distrust toward the Covid-19 vaccine. In a social media statement posted on 21 September, he said he had been swayed by concerns and uncertainty surrounding the matter.
Switzerland’s public health office made clear that there had never been a universal legal duty to obtain or hold a Covid-19 certificate. Nevertheless, the document was required to enter certain activities and locations and to satisfy travel conditions, limiting access for those lacking one.
These measures stayed in effect until the spring of 2022. Certificates kept being issued afterward, primarily to assist people in meeting entry conditions when traveling overseas.
Switzerland captain withdraws from national team
Xhaka, who owns Switzerland’s appearance record with 152 international caps, later pulled out of the national team’s camp during the international break. Switzerland had Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia lined up during that stretch.
Earlier this year, the midfielder captained his country at the World Cup, where Switzerland’s run finished in the quarter-finals against eventual runners-up Argentina.
His absence from the recent international matches came after his initial public statement about the case, drawing additional attention to the situation surrounding the seasoned midfielder.
Xhaka is expected to return for Sunderland
Xhaka is anticipated to come back to club action when Sunderland host Brighton on Saturday, with kick-off set for 15:00 BST.
Sunderland manager Regis le Bris refused to comment directly on the case, opting instead to concentrate on the player’s work during the international break.
“No comment on external topics, but [from] what I’ve seen during the international break, he has trained really well,” Le Bris said.
The Sunderland boss added that Xhaka was in a good place from a footballing standpoint, emphasizing that his condition and performances on the training ground were the most important considerations for him.