Granit Xhaka will miss Switzerland’s international camp after admitting he obtained a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) has announced.
The decision was agreed by the 33-year-old midfielder and the SFV leadership after he issued a public statement accepting responsibility for his actions.
“In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path,” Xhaka wrote on social media.
“Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry.”
Xhaka, who plays for Sunderland, said he was co-operating fully with the relevant authorities. He made his Switzerland debut in 2011 and is the country’s record appearance holder with 152 caps.
SFV president Peter Knaebel said the organisation welcomed Xhaka’s decision to take responsibility, but agreed that the team should complete the gathering without its captain.
“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.
“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.”
Switzerland assembled in Belek, Turkiye, on Monday before away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home fixtures against Slovenia and North Macedonia.
The SFV said it would reassess the situation with Xhaka once the international window had concluded, while Knaebel urged the team to maintain calm ahead of its UEFA Nations League fixtures.
