Premier League ace Granit Xhaka has admitted he obtained a fake covid-19 vaccination after an investigation was launched in Switzerland
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has admitted he obtained a fake covid-19 vaccination certificate after an investigation was launched in Switzerland.
Xhaka, 33, has pulled out of Switzerland’s squad for the upcoming international break after the public prosecutor’s office in Lucerne launched an investigation. It has come to light after allegations that a female doctor in Lucerne issued vaccination certificates without administering the jabs.
The doctor, who is at the centre of the scandal, has denied the allegations. However, a statement shared on the midfielder’s Instagram story admitted he took a fake certificate after having “serious concerns” about the vaccine.
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In a post, Xhaka said: “In recent days, a lot has been reported about an issue from my past. I would like to address it personally. At the time, in connection with the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns.
“I had deep distrust of the vaccine and was affected by fear and uncertainty. In this emotionally charged situation, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of having my unanswered questions clarified through the proper channels.
“Today, I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for the decision, will face the process of clarifying the facts, and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.”
Xhaka was playing for Arsenal during the pandemic – but left north London in to sign for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. He spent two seasons in Germany before making his Premier League return in 2025.
A spokesperson for the Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office said, via The Sun: “The aim is to clarify whether there has been conduct relevant under criminal law in connection with the possible fraudulent obtaining of a false certification and/or document forgery.”
Swiss police had raided the doctors clinic in 2023 and seized evidence as part of the investigation – this included a list of people believed to have obtained covid certificates.
According to reports in Switzerland, the investigation centre’s on if Xhaka secured a certificate proving he had received the vaccine despite never actually being vaccinated and if any conduct amounts to a criminal offence.
Daily Star Sport has contacted Sunderland for comment