Premier League captain at risk of jail time after confessing to Covid vaccine certificate fraud

Swiss prosecutors could impose a substantial fine on the player, who is expected to give his version of events to investigators next month.

The revelation has cost Xhaka his place in the Swiss national squad, with football authorities in his home country dropping him from their forthcoming Nations League fixtures.

Taking to social media to comment on the situation, Xhaka wrote: "In recent days, there has been much reporting about a matter from my past.

"I would like to address this personally. Regarding the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns at the time.

"I felt deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty.

"In this turbulent emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels.

Granit Xhaka is at risk of facing time in jail

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"Today I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry.

"I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities."

Xhaka met with Swiss FA chiefs to discuss the situation, and the group confirmed he should not play in their upcoming matches.

The Swiss FA released a statement, reading: "Following his personal statement regarding vaccination confirmation, Granit Xhaka will not take part in the upcoming gathering of the men's national team.

Xhaka met with Swiss FA chiefs to discuss the situation

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"This decision was jointly made in a conversation between Xhaka and the SFV association leadership."

Swiss FA chief Peter Knabel added: "After the conclusion of this international match window, we will re-evaluate the situation together with Granit and discuss the next step."

The Prosecutor's Office of the Canton of Lucerne has formally opened an investigation into Xhaka, examining whether his conduct amounts to forgery of a false notarisation or falsification of documents.

Authorities have stressed the player is presumed innocent while the inquiry remains ongoing.

The Swiss said: 'I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities'

REUTERS

Xhaka is unlikely to face any consequences in English football.

Neither the FA nor the Premier League made vaccination compulsory during the pandemic, so the midfielder breached no domestic rules with his actions while at Arsenal.

Xhaka has played a key role for Sunderland so far this season, with the Black Cats sitting in 14th after their first five games.