Granit Xhaka faces potential prison time or heavy fines after Luzern police launched an investigation into a falsified COVID-19 vaccination certificate used during his time with the Swiss national team, according to reports by DPA and Blick. The 33-year-old, who missed two international matches in 2021 following a positive virus test, now confronts severe legal scrutiny alongside the medical professional who approved the documentation.
Legal Consequences and Potential Penalties Under Swiss Law
According to criminal law expert André Kuhn, the veteran footballer and the approving doctor face significant legal exposure. Document falsification under Swiss jurisdiction carries stringent penalties, with Kuhn telling the newspaper Blick that the offense “can be punished with a fine or imprisonment for up to five years.” The investigation centers on a certificate produced after Xhaka tested positive for COVID-19 in 2021, an incident that forced him to miss fixtures for the national squad.
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Player Response and National Team Sidelining
Responding to the unfolding investigation, Granit Xhaka issued a public statement via Instagram confirming his cooperation with law enforcement. “I take responsibility for this decision, am prepared to contribute fully to investigating the matter and am cooperating fully with the responsible authorities,” he wrote.
Concurrently, the Swiss Football Association took immediate sporting action. Officials announced that Xhaka is dropped from the national team squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Association President Peter Knäbel outlined the rationale behind the roster omission in an official statement: “We have jointly come to the conclusion that it is in the team’s best interest to carry out this international gathering without him.”
Professional Timeline at a Glance
| Period / Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2016–2023 | Represented Arsenal. |
| 2021 | Tested positive for COVID-19, missed two national team matches, and subsequently claimed vaccination. |
| Current | Investigated by Luzern police regarding certificate falsification; omitted from Swiss Nations League roster. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Granit Xhaka under police investigation?
Luzern police are investigating Xhaka and a doctor over a falsified COVID-19 vaccination certificate obtained and used in 2021.
What penalties could Xhaka face?
According to criminal law expert André Kuhn, document falsification in Switzerland can be punished with a fine or imprisonment for up to five years.
How has the Swiss national team responded?
Association President Peter Knäbel confirmed that Xhaka has been dropped from the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches in the team’s best interest.
What clubs has Xhaka played for during his career?
Aside from Sunderland, the 33-year-old veteran primarily represented Arsenal from 2016 to 2023.
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