Sunderland and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) for obtaining a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The 34-year-old is alleged to have obtained the certificate in 2022, when it was required in Switzerland for some travel abroad. The fine is suspended for two years, provided he does not commit any further offences, and he has already paid the court costs.
Xhaka wrote in German on Instagram: "I was sentenced by summary judgment for obtaining a false certification to a suspended fine of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 [£2,726] each. I accept the decision and take responsibility for my actions." He added that he stood by his earlier pledge to take responsibility for his decision.
Xhaka was playing for Arsenal in 2022 when he posted a statement on social media saying he had a "mistrust" towards the vaccine and had been "influenced by worries and uncertainty." He is Switzerland's record appearance holder with 152 caps and withdrew from the national squad for the recent Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia.
Swiss authorities confirmed there was never a general legal requirement to hold the certificate, but it was needed for access to various activities, venues and travel until spring 2022. Xhaka is expected to return when Sunderland host Brighton on Saturday (15:00 BST). Sunderland boss Regis le Bris said Xhaka had trained well during the break, adding: "He's in a good place football-wise and for me that is the most important."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing