Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has confirmed he has received a two-year probation sentence after admitting to obtaining a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
The 34-year-old Switzerland captain addressed the outcome in a statement on Instagram on Thursday, accepting responsibility for his actions following an investigation by Swiss authorities.
Xhaka also revealed that his punishment includes a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000), while he has already paid the associated court fees.
The former Arsenal midfielder missed Switzerland’s four Nations League fixtures during the recent international break after withdrawing from the national team to cooperate with prosecutors.
“I accept the decision and take responsibility,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I now clearly see that this was the wrong course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry.
“I accept responsibility for this decision, am facing the process of addressing the facts, and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.”
Switzerland backed Xhaka’s decision to withdraw
Xhaka’s withdrawal from the national team came after discussions with the Swiss Football Association (SFV), with both parties agreeing that he should miss the international break.
Swiss football president Peter Knabel supported the midfielder’s decision to cooperate with the authorities and face the consequences of his actions.
“We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences,” Knabel said last month.
“At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him.”
Knabel also confirmed that Xhaka’s international future would be reviewed after the October fixtures.
“After the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the next steps.”
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