Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Swiss Captain Xhaka Sidelined After Admitting Fake COVID Certificate
Granit Xhaka is the captain of Switzerland’s football team.
He admitted that he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
He said he made a mistake and apologized.
Xhaka explained that he should have asked questions through the proper process instead.
He said he is cooperating with the relevant authorities.
Xhaka and the Swiss Football Association agreed that he should miss the team’s camp.
Switzerland is preparing for four UEFA Nations League matches.
The association will review the situation after the international games.
Granit Xhaka admitted obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate and called it a mistake.
Xhaka apologized publicly and said he is cooperating fully with relevant authorities.
He and the Swiss Football Association jointly agreed that he would miss the international camp.
Switzerland gathered in Belek, Turkey, to prepare for four UEFA Nations League matches.
The Swiss Football Association will reassess the situation after the international window.
- Who
- Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and the Swiss Football Association, led by President Peter Knaebel.
- What
- Xhaka admitted obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate and will miss Switzerland’s international camp.
- When
- The decision was announced on Monday, and the situation will be reassessed after the international window.
- Where
- Switzerland’s team gathered in Belek, Turkey.
- Why
- Xhaka said he obtained the certificate while emotionally agitated instead of clarifying his questions through the intended process; the SFV said completing the camp without him was in the team’s best interest.
- Player
- Granit Xhaka
- National team
- Switzerland
- Admission
- Obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate
- Immediate consequence
- Missing the international camp
- International record
- 152 appearances, making Xhaka Switzerland’s all-time record appearance holder
- Camp location
- Belek, Turkey
- Next review
- After the conclusion of the international window
