Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, about £136,000, over his purchase of a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
As reported by Sky Sports News on Thursday, the ex-Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain was sentenced by the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office to 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs each, with a two-year probation period.
The punishment will only be enforced if Xhaka commits another offence during the probation period.
Xhaka announced the decision himself on Thursday, saying he had accepted the judgment and taken responsibility for his actions.
“A few weeks ago, I said that I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” Xhaka said in a statement, adding that he had given a full statement to prosecutors, paid the legal costs and accepted the judgment.
The case relates to 2022, when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal. He previously admitted that he had obtained a vaccination certificate despite not being vaccinated.
In September, Xhaka said he had been deeply uncertain about the Covid-19 vaccine at the time and acknowledged that obtaining the certificate instead of addressing his concerns through the proper channels was a mistake. He apologised and pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities.
The investigation was launched by Swiss prosecutors after allegations emerged concerning Covid certificates issued during the pandemic.
Xhaka subsequently withdrew from Switzerland’s international squad while the matter was being investigated.
The Swiss Football Association has confirmed that it is aware of the decision and said the legal conclusion would allow discussions with Xhaka about his future with the national team.
The 34-year-old remains captain of Switzerland and plays for Sunderland in the Premier League. The suspended nature of the sentence means there is currently no football ban arising from the criminal judgment.
