Granit Xhaka will not represent Switzerland in the upcoming Nations League after admitting he received a fake coronavirus certificate in 2022.
The Sunderland midfielder, who played for Arsenal at the time, admitted he broke the rules due to his “huge reservations” about the vaccine.
He may face a criminal investigation in Switzerland and has been excluded from the national team squad for the home and away games against North Macedonia as well as games against 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 vaccines and was plagued by fear and uncertainty.”
“In that emotional state, instead of clarifying my unanswered questions through the appropriate channels, I obtained proof of vaccination. Today, it became clear to me that this was not the right thing to do. It was a mistake. I’m sorry.”
“I take responsibility for this decision and will address the facts and fully cooperate with the relevant authorities.”
Swiss FA hopes to ‘bring peace’ to Xhaka feud
The Swiss Football Federation will now face Nations League games without the experienced midfielder.
Read statement: “Following a personal statement, Xhaka will not participate in the upcoming men’s national team rally. This decision was made jointly during conversations between Xhaka and the national football association management.”
SFA President Peter Knäbel added: “Granit Xhaka informed us of the facts last night while telling us that he would speak out publicly and take responsibility.
“We welcome Granit taking this step. At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that it is in the interests of the team to contest these games without him. For us, it is now a question of returning calm to the situation and focusing fully on the team and the upcoming Nations League challenge.
“At the end of the international window we will reassess the situation with Granit and discuss further procedures.”
Xhaka played the full 90 minutes of Sunderland’s 5-3 defeat at Manchester City yesterday and is widely seen as playing a huge role in the Wayside side’s return to the Premier League following promotion in May 2025.
The 33-year-old joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, having previously played for Basel, Monchengladbach and Arsenal.