Xhaka handed two-year probation and £136,000 suspended fine over fake Covid certificate

Granit Xhaka has been handed a two-year probation sentence and a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) after admitting to obtaining a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate, the Switzerland and Sunderland captain confirmed on Thursday via Instagram.

“I accept the decision and take responsibility,” the 34-year-old wrote, adding that he has already paid the associated court fees. The ruling follows an admission last month in which Xhaka acknowledged he had made a “mistake” by acquiring the document rather than seeking answers to what he described as an “unresolved” distrust of the vaccine through proper channels.

In his earlier statement, posted on 21 September, Xhaka wrote: “I now clearly see that this was the wrong course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I accept responsibility for this decision, am facing the process of addressing the facts, and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.”

The midfielder, who holds a record 152 caps for the Swiss men’s national team, withdrew from Switzerland’s recent Nations League squad to provide evidence to public prosecutors in Lucerne, who are separately investigating a local doctor believed to be connected to the case. Switzerland won all four of their second-tier Nations League fixtures during his absence.

Swiss football president Peter Knabel confirmed the decision for Xhaka to step away from the squad was reached jointly following a meeting between the player and the Swiss Football Association (SFV). Knabel left the door open for Xhaka’s return to international duty in November.

“We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences,” Knabel said. “At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him. After the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the next steps.”

Xhaka is expected to return to club action for Sunderland this weekend when the Championship side host Brighton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.