SUNDERLAND STAR XHAKA FINED £136,000 OVER FAKE COVID VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, approximately £136,000, for purchasing a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
The former Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain was sentenced by the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office to 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs each, with a two-year probation period, according to Sky Sports News.
The sentence will only be enforced if Xhaka commits another offence during the probation period.
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Xhaka confirmed the decision on Thursday, saying he had accepted the judgment and taken responsibility for his actions.
“A few weeks ago, I said that I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” Xhaka said in a statement.
The midfielder added that he had provided prosecutors with a full statement, paid the legal costs and accepted the judgment.
The case dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal. He had previously admitted obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination certificate despite not receiving the vaccine.
In September, Xhaka said he had been deeply uncertain about the vaccine at the time and acknowledged that obtaining the certificate rather than addressing his concerns through the appropriate channels was a mistake.
He apologised for his actions and pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities.
Swiss prosecutors launched an investigation following allegations concerning COVID-19 certificates issued during the pandemic. Xhaka subsequently withdrew from Switzerland’s national team while the investigation was ongoing.
The Swiss Football Association confirmed that it was aware of the decision, adding that the conclusion of the legal proceedings would allow discussions with Xhaka about his future with the national team.
The 34-year-old remains Switzerland captain and currently plays for Sunderland in the Premier League.
Because the sentence is suspended, Xhaka does not face an immediate financial penalty under the judgment and there is no football ban arising from the criminal case.
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