Granit Xhaka Fined £136k Over Forged Covid Pass, Gets Probation

Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine and a two-year probation period after confessing to acquiring a forged Covid-19 vaccine certificate ^[1]. The Swiss international will face no further action provided he commits no other offences during his probation.

The penalty includes a suspended fine of approximately £136,266.75 (150,000 Swiss francs) and court fees, which Xhaka has already paid [1, 2]. The incident occurred in 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal, at a time when a valid certificate was required for travel abroad from Switzerland ^[1].

Xhaka apologised for his actions, stating it was an error in judgement stemming from his concerns about the vaccine. He explained he had a "deep mistrust of the vaccine" and obtained the certificate instead of addressing his questions through proper channels [1, 2]. He added that he now sees this as the wrong course of action and a mistake ^[2].

The 34-year-old footballer, who is also the captain for Switzerland, made his admission in an Instagram post after Swiss media reports last month ^[2]. He affirmed, "I accept the decision and take responsibility" [1, 2].

Xhaka recently missed four Nations League games to give testimony to public prosecutors in Lucerne, who are currently investigating a local doctor ^[2]. Swiss football president Peter Knabel indicated that the decision for Xhaka to withdraw from the squad was mutual, made in the team's best interest, and that his involvement in November's internationals would be reassessed.

His manager at Sunderland, Regis Le Bris, declined to comment on the saga, stating his focus was solely on football ^[1]. Xhaka is expected to feature for the Black Cats this weekend when they travel to Brighton [1, 2].

Similar incidents have occurred in Switzerland, with men's ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer fined for using a fake COVID-19 certificate at the 2022 Winter Olympics ^[1]. The story was first reported by Mirror and The Independent.