Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has received a suspended 150,000 Swiss franc fine, worth about £136,000, for obtaining a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
The Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office sentenced the former Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain to 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs, suspended for two years, Sky Sports News reported on Thursday.
The sanction will only be activated 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 conduct.
“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 stems from 2022, when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal, and 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 admitted that securing the certificate instead of addressing his concerns through the proper channels was a mistake. He apologised and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities.
Swiss prosecutors began investigating after allegations surfaced over Covid certificates issued during the pandemic, while Xhaka later withdrew from Switzerland’s international squad as the case was examined.
The Swiss Football Association said it was aware of the judgment, adding that the legal conclusion would allow discussions with Xhaka about his future with the national team.
The 34-year-old remains Switzerland captain and plays for Sunderland in the Premier League. The suspended sentence does not currently carry a football ban.
