Granit Xhaka out of Switzerland camp amid fake Covid-19 certificate case, faces up to five years if convicted | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has been left out of Switzerland’s Nations League camp, which begins on Monday in Belek, Türkiye, as he is under investigation by the Lucerne prosecutor’s office over a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate. If convicted, the captain could face up to five years in prison.

Switzerland, who play North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia in the coming days, will be without their captain after a late withdrawal. In a social media post, he admitted using a fake vaccination certificate several years ago, called it a mistake and apologised.

The message cited anxiety and serious doubts about vaccination at the time, and a commitment to cooperate fully with the authorities. Xhaka has 152 caps and 18 goals for the national side.

The decision for him to miss this camp was reached by mutual agreement after discussions with the Swiss FA leadership. President Peter Knäbel was informed by Xhaka on Sunday evening.

He is due to be heard by the authorities in early October. After this international window, the federation will reassess the situation with Xhaka and discuss the next steps.

Source: L'Équipe

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