Granit Xhaka will not play for Switzerland in their upcoming Nations League games after admitting to obtaining a fraudulent Covid certificate in 2022.
The Sunderland midfielder, who was then playing for Arsenal, has admitted he broke the rules due to “great reservations” about the vaccine.
He could face a criminal investigation in Switzerland and has, therefore, been released from the national team squad for the home and away games with North Macedonia either side of clashes with Scotland and Slovenia.
Xhaka wrote on Instagram: “At the time, I was personally very uncertain and had serious reservations. I felt a deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fears and uncertainty.
“In that emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the proper channels. Today, I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I’m sorry.
“I take responsibility for this decision, will deal with the processing of the facts and co-operate fully with the relevant authorities.”
Swiss FA looking to ‘bring peace’ to Xhaka row
The Swiss FA will now tackle their Nations League games without the experienced midfielder.
A statement read: “After his personal statement, Granit Xhaka will not participate in the upcoming gathering of the men’s national team. This decision was made jointly in a conversation between Xhaka and the SFA management.”
SFA president Peter Knäbel added: “Granit Xhaka informed us about the facts last night and at the same time told us that he would speak out publicly and take responsibility.
“We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step. At the same time, we have come to the conclusion together that it is in the team’s interest to dispute these games without him. For us, it is now a matter of bringing peace to the situation and focusing fully on the team and the upcoming challenges in the Nations League.
“At the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss further procedures.”
Xhaka played the full 90 minutes as Sunderland lost 5-3 at Manchester City yesterday and is widely credited as being a hugely instrumental figure in the Wearsiders’ impressive return to the Premier League following promotion in May 2025.
The 33-year-old joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer having also played for Basle, Borussia Monchengladbach and Arsenal.
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