Granit Xhaka received a suspended fine worth approximately £136,000 after admitting he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The Sunderland midfielder confirmed the ruling, accepting responsibility and explaining the penalty will remain suspended during his two-year probation period.
Swiss prosecutors imposed fifty daily fines of 3,000 francs each, bringing the total penalty to 150,000 Swiss francs for Xhaka. The fine will not take effect if Xhaka avoids further offences throughout the two-year probation period, according to reports.
Xhaka previously said deep concerns and distrust about COVID-19 vaccination influenced his decision during an emotionally difficult period in 2022. He apologised for his actions, described the decision as a mistake, and said he had cooperated fully with the authorities.
The case prompted Switzerland to exclude its captain from camp during four recent Nations League fixtures in September and October. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has expressed his desire for Xhaka to return, signalling the midfielder remains important to Switzerland’s squad.
Swiss Football Association president Peter Knäbel has said the federation will discuss their future together following the legal decision publicly. The federation agreed Xhaka would miss the international window while cooperating with local prosecutors during the ongoing investigation.
The 34-year-old midfielder holds Switzerland’s appearance record with 152 caps and captains Sunderland following his move to English football in England. His punishment does not constitute a football ban, and the suspended fine remains conditional on avoiding another offence during probation.
Reports say authorities concluded proceedings after Xhaka gave a statement and accepted the summary judgment issued in his case officially. Attention now turns to whether the Swiss federation restores Xhaka to the squad for upcoming international matches in November again.
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