The Swiss FA has opened an official investigation into the validity of captain Granit Xhaka's Covid‑19 vaccination certificate. Xhaka denies any wrongdoing and says the document is genuine.
Swiss national team captain Granit Xhaka is now the subject of an official investigation concerning his Covid‑19 vaccination certificate.
When: The probe was announced on 20 September 2026 after the Swiss Football Association (SFV) received reports questioning the authenticity of the document Xhaka submitted ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Where: The case has been referred to the SFV disciplinary committee, which is reviewing the paperwork together with Swiss health authorities.
What: If the certificate is found to be forged or incomplete, Xhaka could face administrative sanctions such as a suspension from international matches or a fine. The player has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he received the vaccine on schedule and that his certificate is valid.
- The investigation is being conducted confidentially, and the federation cannot release further details until a final decision is made.
- This is not the first time a player has been scrutinised over vaccination documents; several similar cases emerged across Europe in 2025.
- Should Xhaka be found guilty, the Swiss squad could be weakened for upcoming fixtures against Italy and Spain.
Xhaka, who currently plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League, is a key figure in the national side and has led the team to several important qualifying wins. The probe has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits, with many warning that any suspension would be a major blow ahead of a decisive phase of the qualifiers.
UEFA regulations require all players to present a valid vaccination certificate or a negative test result before travelling for international matches. Officials have stressed that any breach will be dealt with harshly to protect the health of players and staff.
The Swiss FA has recently tightened its health‑protocol enforcement, and the investigation is expected to conclude within a few weeks.
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