Overview
- Xhaka posted an Instagram apology Monday saying he obtained a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic, expressed regret, and volunteered to cooperate with investigators.
- The Lucerne cantonal prosecutor has opened a criminal inquiry and plans to question Xhaka in the coming days to determine whether to bring charges for obtaining or falsifying official documents.
- The Swiss Football Federation accepted Xhaka’s decision to withdraw from the immediate Nations League squad so the team can prepare without him and the federation will reassess his status after the international window.
- Media reports link the case to an ongoing investigation into a Lucerne doctor accused of issuing certificates without administering vaccines and that doctor has denied wrongdoing.
- Under Swiss law falsifying official documents can carry heavy fines or up to five years in prison and sports authorities point to a past case where a coach faced suspension and criminal penalties for a false Covid certificate.