Granit Xhaka Fined £136,000 for Fake COVID Certificate

Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, which is about £136,000. This is due to his purchase of a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.

Sky Sports News reported on Thursday that the former Arsenal player and Switzerland captain was sentenced by the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office. He received 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs each, with a probation period of two years.

This punishment will only take effect if Xhaka commits another offence during the probation period.

Xhaka shared the news on Thursday, saying he accepted the judgment and took responsibility for what he did.

“A few weeks ago, I said that I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” Xhaka said in a statement. He added that he had provided a full statement to prosecutors, paid his legal fees, and accepted the judgment.

This case links back to 2022 when Xhaka was still playing for Arsenal. He admitted to getting a vaccination certificate even though he was not vaccinated.

In September, Xhaka mentioned that he had serious doubts about the Covid-19 vaccine at that time. He recognized that getting the certificate instead of voicing his concerns properly was a mistake. He apologized and promised to fully cooperate with the authorities.

Swiss prosecutors began investigating after claims surfaced about fake Covid certificates during the pandemic.

While the investigation was ongoing, Xhaka withdrew from the Switzerland national team.

The Swiss Football Association confirmed that it is aware of the decision. They said the legal outcome would allow them to discuss Xhaka's future with the national team.

At 34 years old, Xhaka is still the captain of Switzerland and plays for Sunderland in the Premier League. Because his sentence is suspended, there is currently no ban from football related to this criminal judgment.