Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka under investigation over alleged forged Covid certificate

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka is under criminal investigation over an allegation he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.

The public prosecutor's office in Lucerne has confirmed an inquiry is under way into whether criminal behaviour took place in obtaining a "false or forged" certificate, BBC Sport reported on 21 September. Xhaka is 33 and now plays in midfield for Sunderland. In 2022, the year covered by the allegation, he was at Arsenal.

Xhaka addressed the claims in a statement on social media on Monday. He said he had felt "mistrust" towards the Covid vaccine at the time and had been influenced by worry and uncertainty. He said he acquired a certificate instead of clearing up his unanswered questions properly. He called it a mistake, apologised and said he takes responsibility and will cooperate fully with the authorities.

The immediate football consequence is a break from international duty. The Swiss Football Association said Xhaka has withdrawn from the national camp for the upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia. The Nations League is UEFA's international tournament played between major championships. The decision was made jointly by the player and management. His future will be discussed after the international window.

For casual followers, Xhaka's absence is significant. He is Switzerland's record appearance holder with 152 caps. He captained the country at the World Cup earlier in 2026, where Switzerland lost in the quarter-finals to Argentina. Argentina went on to finish as runners-up.

The case turns on the role Covid certificates played in Switzerland at the time. The Swiss office of public health confirmed there was never a general legal duty to hold a certificate. But one was needed for access to many activities, venues and travel. The domestic measures were in place until spring 2022, after which certificates were still issued mainly to meet entry rules for travel abroad.

Swiss reporting has linked the allegedly forged document to a woman doctor from Lucerne, Blick reported on 19 September. That doctor is also under investigation by prosecutors, according to AP News.

At club level, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris refused to comment on the allegations after Sunderland's defeat at Manchester City on Sunday 20 September.

What makes this stand out is the gap between the player and the allegation. Xhaka is known as a vocal leader for club and country. That reputation will now sit alongside a legal process that must run its course.