Swiss footballer Granit Xhaka is under investigation by authorities in Lucerne over allegations that he obtained a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The Sunderland midfielder, who was 33 at the time of the incident in 2022 while playing for Arsenal, has admitted to acquiring the document despite not receiving the vaccine.
The Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated to determine whether Xhaka’s actions constitute criminal conduct, specifically regarding possible fraud or document forgery related to Covid-19 certification. Forging official documents in Switzerland can carry penalties of up to five years in prison or substantial fines. The investigation is ongoing, and no dates for questioning have been disclosed. Authorities have not ruled out requesting extradition from the United Kingdom, although Xhaka is expected to cooperate voluntarily.
Xhaka voluntarily withdrew from the Switzerland national team’s Nations League campaign amid the investigation. The national team and the Swiss Football Association (SFA) reached a mutual agreement for his removal from the squad. He was due to participate in four fixtures, including matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia, but will now miss these games. According to Peter Knäbel, president of the Swiss FA, the situation will be reassessed with Xhaka following the international break. Knäbel stated that they support Xhaka in taking responsibility and facing the consequences but believe it is in the team’s best interest to continue without him during this period.
In a public statement, Xhaka expressed regret over his decision, explaining that at the time he was "very uncertain" and "affected by fear and uncertainty" about the Covid-19 vaccine. He acknowledged that obtaining the certificate without vaccination was a mistake and said he would cooperate fully with authorities to clarify the facts.
Xhaka’s involvement in the investigation also follows a positive Covid-19 test in September 2022, when he missed several international matches. Since then, his club career has seen moves from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, and then a transfer back to the English Premier League with Sunderland in July 2025 for a reported fee of £17 million. Sunderland have declined to comment on the situation.
The legal and sporting ramifications for Xhaka are yet to be determined as the investigation proceeds. The Swiss FA has emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and the disciplinary and legal processes are expected to unfold concurrently.