Granit Xhaka Withdraws From Switzerland Squad Over COVID-19 Certificate

Granit Xhaka Withdraws From Switzerland Squad After COVID-19 Certificate Admission

Granit Xhaka will miss Switzerland's upcoming international matches after admitting that he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.

The Sunderland midfielder has apologised for what he described as a mistake and said he is cooperating with the relevant authorities.

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed that Xhaka and the association had agreed that he would stay away from the current national-team camp while the matter is addressed.

What happened?

The issue dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was still playing for Arsenal.

Xhaka has now acknowledged that he obtained a vaccination certificate instead of dealing with his concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine through the proper channels.

In a statement, he explained that he was dealing with fear, uncertainty and strong doubts about the vaccine at the time.

He has since accepted that his decision was wrong.

“It was a mistake. I am sorry,” Xhaka said, adding that he takes responsibility and will cooperate with the authorities.

Why is Xhaka missing from the Switzerland squad?

The decision was made jointly by Xhaka and the Swiss Football Association.

SFV president Peter Knäbel said the association welcomed Xhaka's willingness to take responsibility and clarify the matter.

At the same time, both sides agreed that it was better for Switzerland to play the upcoming matches without him.

The situation will be reviewed again after the current international period.

So, for now, this is a withdrawal from the current camp rather than confirmation that Xhaka has ended his international career.

Xhaka faces an investigation

The matter is also being examined by prosecutors in Lucerne.

Authorities are investigating whether criminal conduct was involved in the acquisition of the false certificate and whether document-related offences were committed.

The investigation is connected to a wider case involving a doctor who has been accused of issuing false COVID-19 certificates. The doctor has denied the allegations.

Xhaka is expected to cooperate with the investigation.

It is important to remember that the investigation is still ongoing. The legal outcome has not yet been decided.

Switzerland will have to continue without its captain

Xhaka's absence is significant for Switzerland.

The 33-year-old is the country's most-capped men's player, with 152 international appearances.

He has also been an important leader for the national team for many years.

Switzerland's upcoming Nations League programme includes matches against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia, with Xhaka unavailable for the current group of fixtures.

His absence means Switzerland will have to move forward without one of its most experienced midfielders and senior figures.

Xhaka has chosen to address the issue publicly

Rather than ignore the story, Xhaka decided to explain his position himself.

He acknowledged what happened, apologised and said he would work with the authorities to clarify the matter.

That does not settle the legal investigation, but it gives a clear picture of Xhaka's current position.

The next steps will come from the authorities and the Swiss Football Association.

What happens next?

There are two sides to watch.

On the legal side, prosecutors will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the certificate and determine whether further criminal proceedings are appropriate.

On the football side, Switzerland will continue its Nations League campaign without Xhaka for the current international period. The SFV is expected to reassess the situation once the international window is over.

For now, there is no confirmed decision about Xhaka's long-term future with Switzerland.

Final thoughts

Granit Xhaka's decision to withdraw from Switzerland's squad has brought an unexpected off-field issue into the spotlight.

The midfielder has admitted obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022, described his decision as a mistake and apologised.

He is now cooperating with authorities while Switzerland prepares for its upcoming matches without its captain.

The legal investigation is still ongoing, so the eventual consequences remain unclear.

For Xhaka, the immediate priority is to address the matter properly while Switzerland gets on with its Nations League campaign.