Granit Xhaka given suspended fine for fake Covid certificate

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 15:44 · Archive

Granit Xhaka has been convicted for obtaining a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate and given a two-year suspended sentence with a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs.

Granit Xhaka has been convicted of obtaining a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate. He received a two-year suspended sentence and a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000), which he has already paid. The 34-year-old midfielder, who holds a record 152 men's caps for Switzerland, could have faced up to five years in jail but avoided a custodial sentence.

Xhaka admitted to acquiring the fraudulent document in September. In a statement, he said he had a 'deep mistrust of the vaccine' and obtained a vaccination certificate instead of addressing his questions through proper channels. He acknowledged this was 'the wrong course of action' and 'a mistake', saying he was cooperating fully with authorities.

The footballer sat out four recent Nations League fixtures to provide evidence to public prosecutors in Lucerne, who are investigating a local doctor. In his absence, Switzerland secured victories in all four matches. Swiss football president Peter Knabel said Xhaka could be involved in November's internationals.

How it is being reported

• Granit Xhaka discovers punishment for forged Covid-19 vaccine as court issues verdictGranit Xhaka has been handed a massive fine by a court after admitting to forging a Covid-19 vaccine during the pandemic, although the Sunderland star's punishment has been suspendedMirror Sport · 8 Oct, 16:30
• Ex-Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka's Covid fraud relief: Premier League star spared jail after confessing to faking vaccineSwiss authorities investigated the case, with the possible penalties including a major fine and a maximum of five years behind bars, and he did not take part in Switzerland's recent camp.Daily Mail Sport · 8 Oct, 15:09
• Granit Xhaka reveals investigation outcome after admitting to using fake Covid certificateGranit Xhaka admitted last month that he had obtained a fake Covid certificateIndependent Sport · 8 Oct, 14:51

In this story: Granit Xhaka · Switzerland · Sunderland · Arsenal · Lucerne

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