Brief
Granit Xhaka receives suspended fine for forged Covid certificate
The Swiss court suspended a 150,000‑franc fine for Xhaka, noting he has paid court costs and must avoid further offences.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Swiss prosecutors have imposed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs on Sunderland and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka for obtaining a forged Covid‑19 vaccination certificate in 2022, Gulf News reported.
The 34‑year‑old midfielder, who was playing for Arsenal when the alleged forgery occurred, received a sentence of two‑year probation and must pay court costs already settled. The fine is suspended for two years provided he commits no further offences.
Xhaka posted on Instagram in German, saying he accepts the decision, takes responsibility for his actions, and thanks supporters for their messages. He previously explained his mistrust of the vaccine in a September 21 statement, citing “worries and uncertainty.”
Switzerland’s public health office clarified that while there was no blanket legal requirement for a Covid certificate, it was needed for certain travel and venue access until spring 2022. Xhaka missed four Nations League fixtures after the case emerged.
Key facts
- Granit Xhaka was sentenced to two‑year probation and a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs. (gulfnews.com)
- The forgery relates to a Covid‑19 vaccination certificate obtained in 2022. (gulfnews.com)
- Xhaka posted on Instagram accepting the decision and thanking supporters. (gulfnews.com)
- Switzerland required Covid certificates for certain travel and venue access until spring 2022. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Granit Xhaka Fined for Using Fake Covid-19 Certificate During Switzerland Travel”
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