Granit Xhaka Accepts Suspended Fine Over Forged Covid-19 Certificate
Granit Xhaka has accepted a suspended penalty from the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office following an investigation into forged vaccination documentation, with the former Arsenal midfielder confirming that he co-operated fully with investigators.
What changed for the club
The 34-year-old has received a sentence of 50 daily fines, each set at 3,000 Swiss francs, creating a total potential penalty of 150,000 Swiss francs.
The sanction is suspended for two years. Xhaka will not have to pay the amount or face further action if he avoids another offence during that probation period.
In a statement to supporters, Xhaka said he accepted the ruling and accepted responsibility for his actions. He also said he had given investigators a detailed account as they continued examining the role of a local medical professional suspected of supplying fraudulent documents in the region.
Competition context
Xhaka missed Switzerland’s last four Nations League fixtures while dealing with the case. The Swiss Football Association and the player agreed that he should step away from the camp so the legal process could be addressed without affecting the group.
Switzerland won each of their four matches in the second-tier Nations League group despite the absence of their captain.
- Breel Embolo was also left out of the Switzerland camp after becoming involved in the wider vaccination-document case.
- The Atlanta United forward was accused of obtaining false papers through separate contacts in 2021, including alleged dealings with members of the Hells Angels.
- A court order was made against Embolo in late 2025.
What is scheduled next
No further immediate sporting or legal date has been set out for Xhaka. His suspended sentence will remain in place for the next two years, while the broader investigation concerning the suspected distribution of forged documents continues.
For Switzerland, the decision over Xhaka’s availability for the next national-team gathering will depend on whether the federation considers the matter fully resolved following the prosecutor’s verdict.
