Swiss captain Xhaka sidelined over fake COVID certificate

Sept 21 : Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka will miss the international camp after admitting he acquired a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) said on Monday.

The decision was reached jointly by the player and SFV leadership after Xhaka issued a public statement acknowledging his actions.

"In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path," Xhaka wrote in a statement on social media. "Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry."

Xhaka, 33, added that he was cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. The midfielder, who plays for Sunderland in the Premier League, made his international debut in 2011 and is Switzerland's all-time record appearance holder with 152 caps.

SFV President Peter Knaebel welcomed Xhaka’s willingness to take responsibility. 

"Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation yesterday evening and told us at the same time that he would comment publicly on it and take responsibility," Knaebel said in a statement. "We welcome Granit taking this step. At the same time, we came to the joint conclusion that it is in the best interest of the team to complete this gathering without him."

Knaebel added that the focus must shift to maintaining calm ahead of the team's UEFA Nations League fixtures. 

Switzerland gathered in Belek, Turkey, on Monday to prepare for away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia. 

The SFV said it will reassess the situation with Xhaka after the conclusion of the international window.