Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka under investigation over alleged fake COVID certificates

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has been drawn into a criminal investigation by the Lucerne cantonal prosecutor’s office over alleged falsification of documents related to COVID-19 vaccination certificates, the federation and local authorities confirmed on Friday.

Hearing set for early October, ahead of Nations League match

According to reports, the probe also concerns a local doctor whose practice was searched by police in 2023 amid suspicions that a large number of fake COVID certificates were issued. Authorities say one of the doctor’s clients was an experienced surgeon who received a vaccination certificate despite never having been vaccinated.

Xhaka is expected to appear at an official hearing before the Lucerne prosecutor at the beginning of October. The timing is sensitive: Switzerland host North Macedonia in a Nations League match on 6 October in Lucerne.

Legal expert Andre Kun warned about the seriousness of the allegations: "Document forgery can be punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to five years. However, if guilt is proven, a person without prior convictions typically receives a suspended sentence, with a mandatory ancillary fine of up to 10,000 francs." He added that opening an inquiry requires reasonable suspicion and evidence, but does not prejudge final guilt.

Beyond the criminal dimension, Xhaka faces potential sporting consequences. He has been a Sunderland player since 2025, and Premier League contracts commonly allow clubs to unilaterally terminate agreements in cases of serious damage to reputation or gross misconduct.

Spokespeople have said Xhaka is cooperating with authorities. His representative, Andreas Bantel, stated that Xhaka tested positive for coronavirus in September 2021 as an unvaccinated player but later announced he had been vaccinated. Bantel said Xhaka holds an official vaccination certificate showing a first dose on 25 January 2022 and a second dose on 11 November 2022.

The lawyer for the accused doctor, Kornel Borbeli, rejected the allegations: "My client claims that she personally vaccinated Xhaka and that everything was carried out according to regulations." The Swiss Football Association (SFV) said it has no verified information at this time and will not issue statements while the investigation is ongoing, reminding that all suspects are presumed innocent.

Photo: press material from the event