Granit Xhaka will miss the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures after issuing a public confession regarding acquired COVID-19 vaccination certificates from 2022. According to statements published on his Instagram account and corroborated by Swiss authorities, the 33-year-old admitted to purchasing a vaccination confirmation during a period of personal uncertainty and deep distrust toward the vaccine, rather than clearing his concerns through standard channels.
The Public Confession and Investigation by Lucerne Authorities
Writing to his followers, the current AFC Sunderland player explained his mindset during the pandemic. “Im Zusammenhang mit der Covid-19-Impfung war ich damals persönlich stark verunsichert und hatte große Bedenken,” Xhaka wrote, noting that deep mistrust and anxiety drove his actions. “In dieser aufgewühlten Gefühlslage habe ich eine Impfbestätigung erworben, anstatt meine offenen Fragen auf dem vorgesehenen Weg zu klären.”
The Lucerne public prosecutor’s office has launched an active investigation into the matter. Simon Kopp, who serves as the media relations director for the authorities in Lucerne, mentioned that officials are currently examining “ob ein strafrechtlich relevantes Verhalten vorliegt im Zusammenhang einer möglichen Erschleichung einer falschen Beurkundung oder/und Urkundenfälschung (Corona-Zertifikate).” Authorities have scheduled a formal interrogation for Xhaka in the coming month.
Taking full accountability for his actions, Xhaka expressed remorse in his public remarks. “Heute sehe ich klar, dass dieser Weg nicht richtig war. Es war ein Fehler. Das tut mir leid,” he wrote, adding that he is cooperating fully with the investigating agencies.
Impact on the Swiss National Team and Nations League Campaign
The Swiss Football Association (SFV) was informed of the situation the evening before Xhaka published his statement online. As a result of the confession and ongoing legal proceedings, the 152-time international will miss Switzerland’s next four UEFA Nations League matches.
The Swiss squad is currently based in Belek, Turkey, preparing for upcoming away fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland on September 26 and September 29, respectively, followed by two additional matches in early October. Knäbel indicated that the federation will reevaluate Xhaka’s international status once the current international window closes.
Next Confirmed Checkpoint
Switzerland meets North Macedonia in UEFA Nations League play on September 26. Formal legal proceedings involving the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office are scheduled to take place next month.
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