Granit Xhaka Withdrawn from Switzerland Squad Over Fake Covid Certificate

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been withdrawn from Switzerland’s squad after admitting he used a fake Covid‑vaccination certificate in 2022. The former Arsenal player, who was also the national team’s skipper, apologised for the “mistake” and will miss the country’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Xhaka is scheduled to appear before the prosecutor’s office in Lucerne next week as authorities investigate whether criminal action should be taken against him and a Swiss‑based doctor who allegedly supplied a series of false certificates during the pandemic. The doctor, who was first investigated in 2023, has denied the allegations. The outcome of the inquiry will determine whether Xhaka faces further legal proceedings.

The decision to remove Xhaka from the squad underscores Switzerland’s commitment to upholding public health regulations and the integrity of its national team. The footballing community will watch closely as the legal process unfolds and the implications for both the player and the implicated medical professional become clearer.