Xhaka Fined £136,000, Handed Two-Year Suspended Sentence Over Fake Covid Certificate

Switzerland international Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended financial penalty of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately £136,000, after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate while playing for Arsenal in 2022.

The 34-year-old midfielder confirmed the outcome on Thursday, October 8, following an investigation by prosecutors in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Under the summary penalty order, Xhaka received a suspended fine equivalent to 50 daily payments of 3,000 Swiss francs each, with a two-year probation period. The fine will not be enforced provided he commits no further offences during that period.

Xhaka said he had accepted the decision and taken responsibility for his actions. He also confirmed that he had paid the court costs associated with the case.

The Sunderland captain previously acknowledged obtaining the false certificate because he had serious concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and distrusted them at the time.

He admitted that he should have addressed his concerns through the proper channels instead of obtaining a fraudulent document and apologised for his decision.

The case became public last month, prompting Xhaka to cooperate with prosecutors. He subsequently withdrew from Switzerland’s squad for the recent international window and missed four Nations League matches while assisting with the investigation.

The Swiss Football Association said his absence was agreed upon while the matter was being addressed. The association is expected to reassess his international situation ahead of the next round of fixtures.

Xhaka, who has made a record 152 appearances for Switzerland, remains eligible to continue his professional football career. The suspended penalty does not constitute a football ban.

The midfielder joined Sunderland after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, having previously spent several seasons at Arsenal. He is expected to return to club action as Sunderland prepare to face Brighton in the Premier League.

The ruling brings a significant development in the legal case, although Xhaka will remain subject to the two-year probation period. He has publicly accepted the outcome and reiterated his commitment to taking responsibility for his decision.