Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has admitted that he obtained a COVID 19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic despite having serious doubts about the vaccine.

The Switzerland captain has described his decision as a mistake and apologised publicly, while confirming that he will fully cooperate with the authorities investigating the matter.

Xhaka will also miss Switzerland’s upcoming international fixtures after reaching an agreement with the Swiss Football Association to stay away from the current national team camp.

Xhaka admits mistake over COVID certificate

Xhaka addressed the situation publicly after an investigation was opened by the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office.

The 33 year old explained that he was experiencing significant uncertainty and concerns surrounding the COVID 19 vaccine at the time. He said that, during what he described as an emotionally difficult period, he chose to obtain a vaccination confirmation instead of raising his concerns through the appropriate channels.

Xhaka has since acknowledged that the decision was wrong.

He apologised for his actions and said he is prepared to cooperate fully with the authorities as the investigation continues.

Switzerland leave Xhaka out of upcoming matches

Xhaka will not join Switzerland for their current Nations League camp.

The decision was reached jointly between the midfielder and the Swiss Football Association, with both sides agreeing that it was in the team’s best interests to continue the international period without him.

Switzerland are preparing for upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Scotland before facing Slovenia and North Macedonia in October.

The Swiss FA has said Xhaka’s situation will be reassessed after the current international window.

Investigation continues in Switzerland

The issue dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal.

The Lucerne prosecutor’s office opened proceedings to establish whether there was any criminally relevant conduct connected to the acquisition of a false certification or possible document forgery. Xhaka is expected to cooperate with the investigation.

The investigation also involves a doctor who is alleged to have been connected to the issuing of vaccination certificates.

At this stage, the legal process is still ongoing and the authorities have yet to establish whether Xhaka committed a criminal offence.

Xhaka’s future with Switzerland now under focus

The latest development comes at a significant moment in Xhaka’s international career.

The Sunderland midfielder remains Switzerland’s captain and is the country’s most capped player, having made 152 appearances for the national team.

For now, however, his focus will be on cooperating with the investigation and dealing with the consequences of his admission.

The Swiss FA is expected to review the situation once the current Nations League fixtures are completed, meaning further decisions surrounding Xhaka’s international future could follow after the October international window.