Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been ordered to pay a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, around £136,000, for obtaining a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
The former Arsenal player and Switzerland captain was given 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs by the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office, suspended for two years, according to Sky Sports News.
The penalty will only take effect if Xhaka commits another offence during the probation period.
Xhaka confirmed the judgment on Thursday, saying he accepted the decision and took responsibility for his actions.
“A few weeks ago, I said that I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” Xhaka said in a statement, adding that he had given a full statement to prosecutors, paid the legal costs and accepted the judgment.
The case dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was at Arsenal. He had previously admitted obtaining a vaccination certificate despite not receiving the vaccine.
In September, Xhaka said he had been deeply uncertain about the Covid-19 vaccine at the time and acknowledged that obtaining the certificate instead of addressing his concerns through the proper channels was a mistake. He apologised and pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities.
Swiss prosecutors opened an investigation following allegations over Covid certificates issued during the pandemic, prompting Xhaka to withdraw from Switzerland’s international squad while the case was examined.
The Swiss Football Association said it was aware of the judgment and that its conclusion would enable discussions with Xhaka over his future with the national team.
The 34-year-old remains Switzerland captain and currently plays for Sunderland in the Premier League. As the sentence is suspended, the judgment does not impose a football ban on Xhaka.
