Fake COVID Certificate Admission
Granit Xhaka Admits Obtaining Fraudulent COVID-19 Certificate and Faces Investigation
Anonymous
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Xhaka had previously tested positive for COVID-19, including in 2021 and again in early 2022; one report says a positive test in September 2022 forced him to miss Switzerland matches.
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The Swiss prosecutor’s investigation is intended to determine whether Xhaka’s acquisition of the certificate amounted to criminal conduct involving the fraudulent obtaining of false certification and/or document forgery.
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Xhaka is expected to be questioned in early October, according to Swiss media reports cited by The Athletic.
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His absence covers four Nations League matches: away games against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home fixtures against Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne.
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The Swiss team’s training camp was scheduled to take place in Belek, Turkey, with the federation saying it wanted to calm the situation and refocus attention on the squad and its Nations League campaign.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka admitted to obtaining a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022 while playing for Arsenal, citing vaccine doubts and fears. The Guardian reports the 32-year-old Sunderland midfielder has been removed from Switzerland's squad pending investigation by Swiss prosecutors, who are examining possible fraud and document forgery linked to a Lucerne doctor accused of issuing fake certificates.
Xhaka apologized and pledged to cooperate with authorities. Daily Star notes the offenses carry potential fines or up to five years in prison. He faces questioning in early October and could be charged with criminal conduct involving fraudulent certification and document forgery.
Arsenal Star Had Prior COVID Infections
Xhaka tested positive for COVID-19 multiple times before obtaining the fake certificate. He contracted the virus in 2021 and again in early 2022. The Athletic reported that a positive test in September 2022 forced him to miss Switzerland matches, creating pressure to get vaccinated quickly or produce proof of immunity.
Swiss Doctor Accused of Issuing Falsified Certs
The investigation centers on a Lucerne physician who allegedly issued dozens of fraudulent COVID vaccination certificates. Xhaka obtained his fake certificate from this doctor's network. Prosecutors are determining whether Xhaka's actions constitute criminal fraud, document forgery, or both. He faces potential charges under Swiss law.
Four Nations League Matches Missed in Squad Suspension
The Swiss Football Federation excluded Xhaka from upcoming Nations League fixtures to restore focus to the team. STV reports he will miss away games against North Macedonia and Scotland, plus home matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne. The federation held a training camp in Belek, Turkey, without the captain.
Xhaka Expressed Deep Mistrust of Vaccine
Yahoo News reports Xhaka harbored "a deep mistrust of the vaccine," which motivated him to obtain the fraudulent document rather than receive the actual vaccination. The midfielder acknowledged his doubts and fears were unfounded, calling the decision "a mistake." He pledged full cooperation with Swiss investigators as they determine next steps.
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