Granit Xhaka facing JAIL for getting fake Covid jab certificate as Sunderland ace issues grovelling apology

SUNDERLAND’S GRANIT XHAKA could face a whopping fine or even potential PRISON time after admitting to receiving a fake coronavirus vaccination certificate in the pandemic. The Swiss captain, 33, has pulled out of his country’s upcoming Nations League clashes amid the public prosecutor’s office in the Swiss city of Lucerne criminal investigation. Granit Xhaka faces a fine or jail time after receiving a fake Covid certificate in the pandemic Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Swiss captain has pulled out of upcoming internationals amid an investigation Credit: Getty The controversy came to light amid suspicions that a female doctor in Lucerne issued vaccination certificates without ever administering the jabs. The doctor has denied allegations. However, a statement on Xhaka’s Instagram admitted his guilt. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The statement read: “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 still an Arsenal player during the pandemic. He left North London to sign for German club Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 before returning to England with Sunderland in 2025. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Sunderland have declined to comment on the situation. A spokesperson for the Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office said: “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 cops raided the doctor’s clinic in 2023 and seized evidence as part of investigations involving a number of people believed to have obtained coronavirus certificates. According to reports in his homeland, the investigations centre on whether Xhaka secured a certificate proving he had received the vaccine despite never actually being vaccinated. The public prosecutor’s office has confirmed an investigation is underway. And they added that it aims to establish whether any conduct amounted to a criminal offence, either through obtaining incorrect official proof or forging documents linked to coronavirus certificates. Xhaka is allegedly expected to appear before the public prosecutor’s office next month to give his statement on the case. Xhaka missed three matches for Switzerland in September 2021 due to testing positive for coronavirus. Forging documents in Switzerland is subject to severe penalties, with large fines or imprisonment of up to five years. Xhaka was an Arsenal player at time of obtaining the certificate Credit: Getty Switzerland agreed it was in the team’s ‘best interests’ to play without Xhaka in the squad Credit: EPA Following his confession, Xhaka will not be linking up with his national team-mates this week. This decision was made jointly in a meeting between the veteran and Swiss Football Association (SFV) management. SFV president Peter Knabel said: “Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation last night and told us that he will address it publicly and take responsibility. “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. “Our priority now is to calm the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming challenges in the Uefa Nations League. “After the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the next steps.” Switzerland face away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland before hosting Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne. Comment now