Overview
- Xhaka posted an Instagram admission and apology on Monday saying he purchased a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate and that he will cooperate with investigators.
- The Lucerne public prosecutor has opened a criminal inquiry, plans to question Xhaka and could seek charges that carry heavy fines or up to five years in prison under Swiss law.
- The Swiss Football Federation said Xhaka informed them and by mutual agreement he will not join the upcoming UEFA Nations League call-ups while the matter is clarified.
- Reporting links the case to allegations that a Lucerne doctor issued vaccination certificates without giving vaccines; that doctor has denied wrongdoing and was reportedly questioned in 2023.
- Beyond immediate legal risk, the case creates reputational and sporting fallout for Xhaka as Sunderland and the national team assess captaincy and selection choices and some accounts also conflict on whether his past positive Covid test was in 2021 or 2022.