Switzerland national team captain Granit Xhaka has been excluded from the upcoming international camp after acknowledging that he obtained a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate, according to the Swiss Football Association (SFV).
The decision followed a public statement in which Xhaka admitted to the breach. The 33-year-old midfielder, who plays for Sunderland in the Premier League, described the incident as a significant error made during a period of emotional distress.
“In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path,” Xhaka wrote on social media. “Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry.” He further stated that he is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.
Xhaka, who made his international debut in 2011, holds the record for the most caps for Switzerland with 152 appearances.
SFV president Peter Knaebel welcomed the player’s willingness to accept responsibility. “Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation yesterday evening and told us at the same time that he would comment publicly on it and take responsibility,” Knaebel said. “We welcome Granit taking this step. At the same time, we came to the joint conclusion that it is in the best interest of the team to complete this gathering without him.”
Knaebel emphasized the need to maintain calm within the squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixtures. Switzerland is currently gathered in Belek, Turkiye, preparing for away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland, as well as home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia.
The SFV announced that it will reassess Xhaka’s situation once the international window concludes.
Honestly, it is kind of funny that he just admitted to it publicly instead of trying to hide it. Full transparency, I suppose.
This is a massive setback for Switzerland’s chances in the upcoming Nations League. The team will definitely feel his absence on the pitch.
I’m skeptical about the emotional distress excuse. It feels like a weak justification for breaking the law and undermining public health efforts.
Wait, does Sunderland know about this yet? I wonder if the club plans to take any disciplinary action against him.
It is genuinely shocking to see a player of his caliber make such a foolish choice during a global pandemic. Regrettable indeed.