Granit Xhaka reveals investigation outcome after admitting to using fake Covid certificate

Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka confirmed on Thursday that he has been given a two-year probation sentence after admitting to acquiring a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination document. Addressing the situation in an Instagram post following Swiss media reports last month, the 34-year-old footballer stated: "I accept the decision and take responsibility." He added that the penalty includes a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) alongside court fees, which he has already paid. The midfielder, who holds a record 152 men's caps for his national team, sat out four recent Nations League fixtures to provide evidence to public prosecutors in Lucerne, who are currently probing a local doctor. Some fans showed support for Xhaka during the international break (Reuters) In Xhaka’s absence, Switzerland secured victories in all four of their second-tier Nations League matches. Last month, Xhaka apologised and acknowledged he had made a “mistake” in an Instagram post after withdrawing from Switzerland’s Nations League squad. In his statement, Xhaka said he felt a “deep mistrust of the vaccine” and “obtained a vaccination certificate instead of addressing my unresolved questions through the proper channels”. In a message posted on 21 September, Xhaka wrote: “I now clearly see that this was the wrong course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I accept responsibility for this decision, am facing the process of addressing the facts, and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.” Swiss football president Peter Knabel said the decision for Xhaka to pull out of the squad was made jointly following a meeting between Xhaka and the SFV but added that the central midfielder, who has played a record 152 games for his country, could be involved in November’s internationals. “We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences. At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him,” Knabel said. “After the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the next steps.” Xhaka is due to return to action for Sunderland this weekend when the Black Cats face Brighton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.