Granit Xhaka issues statement on COVID certificate allegations and withdraws from Switzerland squad | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has issued a statement acknowledging he obtained a COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic and will not join the Switzerland squad in this international window.

In the statement, he accepted he had made a mistake due to reservations about the vaccine, and said he would face the consequences and cooperate fully with the Swiss authorities.

Swiss media reported over the weekend that investigations are focused on whether he secured proof of vaccination despite not being vaccinated, and that he is due to appear before the public prosecutor's office at the beginning of October to answer questions.

Xhaka described feeling unsettled and deeply mistrustful of the vaccine at the time, saying fear led him to obtain a certificate instead of seeking proper clarification. He now views that decision as wrong and apologised.

Swiss FA president Peter Knäbel said Xhaka had informed them, would address the matter publicly and take responsibility, and that a joint decision had been made for him to withdraw. He added the team would complete the camp without him, prioritising calm and the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The situation will be reviewed after the break.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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