Off the PitchFootball.LondonUnverified source· 21 Sept 2026
Xhaka Faces Prison Threat Over Fake Covid Certificates
Granit Xhaka could face a fine or up to five years in prison over claims he obtained fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
G. Xhaka
player
Who
Granit Xhaka
What
Alleged fake Covid vaccine certificates
Potential penalty
Fine or up to five years in prison
When
During the pandemic
What happened. Granit Xhaka is facing claims that he obtained falsified Covid-19 vaccination certificates during the pandemic, when immunisation was mandatory for travel. The Switzerland captain withdrew from international duty on Monday and addressed the allegations on Instagram.
- Xhaka was linked with Chelsea this summer, but Sunderland rejected an £8m bid for their captain.
- He pulled out of Switzerland's Nations League games against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia.
- The midfielder said he had serious reservations and deep mistrust of the vaccine at the time.
“At the time, I was personally very unsettled and had serious reservations about the Covid-19 vaccination.”
— Granit Xhaka
Xhaka's international withdrawal and social media statement come as he faces potential legal consequences over the allegations.
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