Switzerland Captain Granit Xhaka Fined for Using Forged Covid Certificate

BERN: Switzerland’s national football team captain Granit Xhaka has been fined 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately $180,000) after admitting to using a forged Covid vaccine certificate during his time at Arsenal. The incident occurred while he was actively playing for the club in 2022.

Xhaka, now 34, will not have to pay the fine if he refrains from further offenses during a two-year probationary period. In a statement on Instagram, he expressed acceptance of the court’s decision, stating, “I take responsibility for my actions. Thank you for the many messages of support over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me.”

This ruling comes as Xhaka, who holds the record for the most appearances for Switzerland with 152 caps, withdrew from recent Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. His admission raises questions about the integrity of player conduct during the pandemic and the potential implications for public trust in sports figures.

Looking ahead, Xhaka’s situation may prompt further scrutiny of vaccination policies within professional sports, as well as discussions on the ethical responsibilities of athletes. The football community will be watching closely to see how he navigates this probationary period and whether any further actions will be taken against him.