Granit Xhaka withdrew from Switzerland’s squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches on September 21, 2026, after admitting to obtaining a false Covid vaccination certificate during the pandemic. The national team captain faces potential legal investigation and possible prison time under Swiss forgery laws.
Granit Xhaka Admits to Purchasing Fake Vaccination Certificate
Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss men’s national football team and record holder for international appearances, withdrew from the squad ahead of upcoming matches after acknowledging he bought a falsified vaccination document. The development emerged on September 21, 2026, when Swiss and international news outlets detailed the confession.
Xhaka, who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Sunderland and previously played for Arsenal, issued a statement via social media addressing the falsification. He acknowledged that he acquired the document in 2022 during a period when certain foreign travel and public access rules applied across Switzerland.
In a troubled emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of seeking answers through the proper channels. Today I see clearly that this method was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for the decision; I will participate in the procedure aimed at clarifying the facts, and I am fully cooperating with the competent authorities. Granit Xhaka, via Infostart and 24
Legal Scrutiny and Investigation by Luzern Authorities
The Luzern cantonal prosecutor’s office confirmed that an active investigation is underway to determine whether criminal offenses occurred in obtaining the false or forged certificate. Prosecutors are evaluating whether the actions constitute document forgery, an offense that carries penalties of up to five years in prison under Swiss law, though it is noted that actual incarceration remains unlikely.
Investigators originally connected the broader inquiry to a medical practice where police executed a search warrant in 2023, seizing numerous documents related to certificate issuance. Xhaka is scheduled to appear in court in early October to provide statements regarding his acquisition of the paperwork.
Impact on the Swiss National Team and Upcoming Matches
The Swiss Football Association announced that Xhaka and the coaching staff reached a joint decision for the 152-cap veteran to leave the training camp immediately. Peter Knabel, president of the Swiss Football Association, welcomed Xhaka’s public admission while confirming that the team’s interests required continuing without him.
The timing removes Switzerland’s all-time appearance leader from the squad ahead of UEFA Nations League fixtures in League B. The national team faces North Macedonia twice, alongside matches against Scotland and Slovenia during the international window lasting until early October. Association officials indicated that discussions regarding Xhaka’s long-term future within the national team will take place after the current block of fixtures concludes.
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