Granit Xhaka admitted to holding a fake Covid‑19 vaccination certificate, leading to his exclusion from the Switzerland squad. The move follows an official investigation by the Swiss FA.
When Granit Xhaka revealed he possessed a fake Covid‑19 vaccination certificate, the football world reacted swiftly. The Swiss midfielder, playing for Sunderland in England, admitted in a personal statement that he used a falsified document to meet travel and competition requirements during the pandemic.
When and where it happened
The announcement came on 21 September 2026, just before Switzerland’s upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying match. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) launched an immediate investigation, confirmed the allegations, and consequently removed Xhaka from the national squad.
Reactions from the federation and the player
The SFV declared that any breach of health protocols would attract severe penalties, stating that Xhaka could face a disciplinary ban and be barred from future call‑ups. Xhaka issued an apology to fans and teammates, claiming personal pressure forced his decision.
- Actions taken: Xhaka’s call‑up was cancelled.
- Potential sanctions: Administrative suspension up to six months.
- Impact on the team: Loss of a key midfield option ahead of crucial fixtures.
This incident underscores the importance of transparency and strict adherence to health regulations in sport, especially as the pandemic’s effects linger. It also raises concerns about how individual misconduct can jeopardise a national team’s campaign in major tournaments.
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