Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has admitted obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022, apologising for what he described as a mistake.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, has been withdrawn from Switzerland’s squad and will miss the country’s forthcoming four Nations League matches.
Xhaka is expected to be questioned by prosecutors in Lucerne next week as they determine whether criminal proceedings should be opened over the alleged issuing of fraudulent COVID certificates by a doctor in the Swiss city. The doctor, who was first investigated in 2023, has denied the allegations.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Xhaka said he had decided not to receive the COVID vaccine because of his concerns at the time.
“At the time, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns regarding the Covid-19 vaccination. I felt deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty,” he wrote.
“In this turbulent emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels. Today I clearly see this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter and am co-operating with the relevant authorities.”
