Swiss Football Star Granit Xhaka Admits to Using Fake Covid Vaccine Certificate

Granit Xhaka, one of Switzerland's most prominent footballers and current captain of the national team, came under scrutiny after reports suggested he had not been vaccinated against Covid-19 despite claiming otherwise. The initial suspicion arose when authorities in Switzerland received information that Xhaka may have used a forged vaccine certificate during his time playing abroad.

As the story gained traction in the media, Swiss prosecutors began to look into the authenticity of Xhaka's vaccination documents. The case quickly attracted public attention given Xhaka's high profile in both Swiss and European football.

On September 19, 2026, Swiss outlets reported that prosecutors in Lucerne had opened a formal investigation into Xhaka's possible use of a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The investigation centered on whether he presented the fraudulent document in 2022, a period when strict vaccination requirements were in place for professional athletes.

The following day, international coverage confirmed that Xhaka, now captain of England's Sunderland football club and still leading the Swiss national team, was at the center of the growing scandal. News broke that the Swiss Football Association was monitoring the situation closely as prosecutors continued their inquiry.

On September 21, 2026, Xhaka admitted to the allegations. He acknowledged that he had acquired a fake vaccination certificate during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following his admission, Xhaka was immediately removed from the Swiss national team squad ahead of their upcoming matches.

Media reports highlighted that Xhaka could face severe consequences, including possible jail time of up to five years under Swiss law, as well as sporting sanctions. The Swiss Football Association and his club began reviewing their own disciplinary responses.

Granit Xhaka has publicly admitted to obtaining and using a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate. Swiss prosecutors are continuing their investigation, and Xhaka will be questioned by the Lucerne prosecutor's office. He has been suspended from the Swiss national football team, and his future with the team is uncertain.

There is significant public and media attention on the case, especially regarding the potential legal and sporting penalties Xhaka may face. The Swiss Football Association and his club are expected to announce further disciplinary measures.

The next steps include the outcome of the Swiss prosecutor's investigation, which could result in criminal charges against Xhaka. There are also open questions about how long his suspension from the national team will last and whether he will face additional sporting bans or fines from football authorities.