Xhaka dropped from Switzerland squad after admitting faking Covid vaccination certificate | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has been left out of the Switzerland squad after admitting he obtained a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

The former Arsenal midfielder released a statement addressing the issue and accepted responsibility for his actions.

“In recent days, there has been much reporting regarding a matter from my past. I would like to address this personally,” Xhaka said.

“At the time, I was deeply unsettled and had serious reservations regarding the Covid-19 vaccination. I harboured a deep mistrust of the vaccine and was gripped by fear and uncertainty.

“In that state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of addressing my unresolved questions through the proper channels.

“Today, I clearly see that this was the wrong course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry.”

Xhaka added that he is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as the matter is addressed.

Swiss FA president Peter Knabel confirmed that Xhaka and the federation had mutually agreed it was best for him not to take part in the upcoming international camp.

“We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step and facing the issue head-on,” Knabel said.

“At the same time, we mutually concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to proceed with this camp without him.

“Our priority now is to bring calm to the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.”