Granit Xhaka Steps Away From Switzerland Duty After COVID Certificate Admission
Granit Xhaka COVID Certificate Admission Changes Switzerland Plans
Switzerland鈥檚 preparations for the UEFA Nations League have been disrupted by an issue dating back several years, with captain Granit Xhaka stepping away from the squad after acknowledging that he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who now plays for Sunderland, made the admission publicly on September 21 after reports emerged about an investigation in Switzerland. Xhaka said he had serious doubts about the COVID-19 vaccine at the time and, instead of seeking clarification through official channels, obtained a vaccination certificate.
He has described the decision as a mistake, apologised and said he is cooperating with the authorities investigating the matter.
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) subsequently confirmed that Xhaka would not join the national team for the current international window.
Switzerland Captain Choose to Continue Camp Without Their Captain
The decision to leave Xhaka out was reached jointly by the player and the SFV leadership.
SFV president Peter Kn盲bel said Xhaka informed the federation about the matter before making his public statement. The federation welcomed his willingness to take responsibility but concluded that the team should complete the current gathering without him.
Switzerland have gathered in Belek, T眉rkiye, where preparations are underway for four Nations League fixtures.
The immediate schedule includes away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia in October.
For a team accustomed to having Xhaka at the centre of its midfield and leadership structure, his absence creates an obvious change before the competitive fixtures begin.
Granit Xhaka Investigation Remains Separate From Sporting Decision
The footballer’s withdrawal from international duty is a sporting decision, while the legal aspect is still being examined by Swiss authorities.
The investigation is being handled by prosecutors in Lucerne and concerns the possible fraudulent acquisition of a false COVID certificate or document forgery. It is linked to allegations surrounding a doctor who is suspected of issuing false vaccination certificates during the pandemic. The doctor has denied the allegations.
Xhaka is expected to cooperate with the investigation and has acknowledged that he will face the process with the authorities.
At this stage, no final legal determination has been made against him. The investigation will establish the relevant facts and determine whether further proceedings are warranted.
A Remarkable Chapter in Xhaka’s International Career
The controversy comes against the backdrop of an otherwise lengthy international career.
Xhaka made his Switzerland debut in 2011 and has since become the country’s record appearance holder, with 152 caps. He has been one of the defining figures of the Swiss national team for more than a decade and has worn the captain’s armband during some of the country’s biggest international campaigns.
His current absence therefore goes beyond replacing a midfielder on the teamsheet.
Switzerland must temporarily operate without the player who has been a central figure in its leadership group, while the SFV also faces questions about what happens after the current international window.
What Happens to Xhaka After the International Break?
The SFV has deliberately left the longer-term situation open.
According to the federation, the situation will be reassessed with Xhaka once the international window is complete, after which the two sides will discuss the next steps.
That means the immediate priority is Switzerland’s Nations League campaign, while the legal investigation continues separately.
For Xhaka, the episode represents a difficult moment in a career that has otherwise been defined by longevity and leadership. His decision to publicly acknowledge the incident has ended the immediate uncertainty over why he is absent from the squad, but questions surrounding the legal process and his future international role remain unresolved.
Switzerland, meanwhile, must begin its Nations League campaign without its captain and record appearance holder at least for this international window.
