Swiss Captain Granit Xhaka Investigated Over Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate
Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss national football team and the country’s record appearance holder, is under investigation by Swiss prosecutors regarding a Covid-19 vaccination certificate he obtained during the pandemic period. The Lucerne public prosecutor’s office is examining whether criminal conduct, including the acquisition of a false certificate or document forgery, took place in connection with the certificate reportedly obtained in 2022.
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The 33-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Sunderland in the Premier League, publicly acknowledged on 21 September 2026 that he acquired a vaccination certificate while struggling with serious doubts and fears about the vaccine. In a statement on social media, Xhaka described his decision as a mistake, apologised, and committed to fully cooperating with the authorities as the investigation unfolds.
Following his admission, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced that Xhaka will not participate in the national team’s upcoming training camp or Nations League fixtures. This decision was reached jointly between Xhaka and SFV leadership to maintain focus and calm within the squad. Switzerland is scheduled to play away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia in the coming weeks.
The SFV has stated it will reassess Xhaka’s situation and future involvement with the national team after the international window concludes. Notably, the association has not indicated any change to his captaincy status at this time.
Investigations have also touched upon the role of a medical professional in Luzern who allegedly issued the certificate. Police reportedly searched the doctor’s practice in 2023 and secured evidence, although official details remain limited. Questions have been raised about inconsistencies in vaccination dates on the certificate and Xhaka’s whereabouts at those times, as some match schedules suggest he was playing in England when the vaccinations were allegedly administered in Switzerland.
While Xhaka’s admission confirms he obtained a vaccination certificate, the precise legal nature of the certificate—whether it was forged, falsely issued, or otherwise irregular—has yet to be established. The investigation remains ongoing, and no formal charges or penalties have been announced. The public prosecutor’s office emphasises the presumption of innocence for Xhaka and the medical professional involved.
This case follows similar incidents in Swiss sport, such as the 2023 conviction of the former men’s ice hockey coach for using a fake Covid-19 certificate, which resulted in a substantial fine and a multi-year ban. The outcome of the current investigation may have implications for Xhaka’s career and the Swiss football team going forward.