Granit Xhaka Fined £136,000 After Admitting Fake COVID-19 Certificate

Granit Xhaka has been handed a suspended fine of around £136,000 after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022, when he was still an Arsenal player.

The Switzerland captain was convicted by authorities in Lucerne after admitting that he had acquired the fraudulent certificate during the coronavirus pandemic. According to Swiss broadcaster SRF, the punishment amounts to 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs, bringing the total to CHF 150,000, with the sentence suspended for two years.

The suspended nature of the punishment means Xhaka will not have to pay the fine unless he commits another offence during the two-year probation period.

The incident dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was representing Arsenal and was also an established member of the Swiss national team. The midfielder previously admitted that he had obtained the certificate after experiencing serious doubts and concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.

In September, Xhaka publicly acknowledged what he had done, describing it as a mistake and apologising for his actions.

At the time, he said he had been influenced by fear, uncertainty and a deep mistrust of the vaccine before choosing to obtain a vaccination certificate rather than addressing his concerns through the appropriate channels. He also promised to cooperate fully with the authorities.

The case initially resulted in Xhaka being withdrawn from Switzerland's international camp while the investigation was ongoing. The Swiss Football Association said the decision was reached jointly with the player, with the intention of allowing the team to concentrate on its Nations League commitments.

With the legal proceedings now concluded, Xhaka has confirmed that he accepts the punishment and has already paid the costs associated with the proceedings. The midfielder said he takes responsibility for his decision and accepts the outcome.

The case does not currently indicate a football suspension for Xhaka, meaning the punishment is a legal one rather than a sporting ban.

Xhaka, who is now playing for Sunderland, remains one of Switzerland's most experienced players and holds the country's record for international appearances. The conclusion of the case should now allow the focus to return to his football career, although the episode will remain a controversial chapter from his time at Arsenal.

The key point is that the matter, which began with an investigation into a certificate obtained four years ago, has now reached a legal conclusion with Xhaka accepting responsibility and receiving a suspended financial sentence.