Sunderland midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has been handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to about £136,000, for obtaining a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
According to Sky Sports News on Thursday, the former Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain was sentenced by the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office to 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs each, subject to a two-year probation period.
The financial penalty will only be enforced if Xhaka commits another offence within the probation period.
The 34-year-old confirmed the outcome on Thursday, saying he had accepted the judgment and taken responsibility for his actions.
“A few weeks ago, I said that I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” Xhaka said in a statement, adding that he had given a full statement to prosecutors, paid the legal costs and accepted the judgment.
The case dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal.
He had previously admitted obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination certificate despite not receiving the vaccine.
In September, the midfielder explained that he had been deeply uncertain about the vaccine at the time.
He acknowledged that securing the certificate rather than addressing his concerns through the appropriate channels was a mistake, apologised and promised to cooperate fully with the authorities.
Swiss prosecutors launched an investigation following allegations surrounding COVID-19 certificates issued during the pandemic.
Xhaka subsequently withdrew from Switzerland’s international squad while the investigation was ongoing.
The Swiss Football Association said it was aware of the decision and indicated that the conclusion of the legal proceedings would allow discussions with the midfielder about his future with the national team.
Xhaka remains Switzerland’s captain and plays for Sunderland in the Premier League.
The suspended sentence does not currently impose a football ban on him.
