Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from the Switzerland national team ahead of upcoming Nations League matches following a criminal investigation into an allegedly forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate obtained in 2022.
Swiss prosecutors have opened a formal inquiry into the Arsenal midfielder over the document, marking a significant development in the case. The investigation centres on how Xhaka obtained the certificate during a period when vaccination mandates were in place across Europe.
Public Apology and Withdrawal
Xhaka has since issued a public apology regarding the incident. “In this troubled state of mind I acquired a vaccine certificate, instead of clarifying my unanswered questions in the proper way,” the Switzerland captain stated. “Today I see clearly, that this way was not correct. It was a mistake. I’m sorry.”
Following his admission, Xhaka made the joint decision with the Swiss Football Association to step away from the squad for the Nations League fixtures. The Swiss FA confirmed that the withdrawal was agreed upon mutually between the player and the federation.
Impact on National Team
The absence of Xhaka represents a significant blow to Switzerland’s midfield setup for the upcoming international fixtures. As the national team captain, the midfielder has been a cornerstone of the squad’s structure and leadership on the pitch.
The investigation by Swiss authorities into the alleged forgery adds another layer of complexity to Xhaka’s situation, as he faces potential legal consequences separate from his withdrawal from international football. The matter highlights broader issues that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic regarding vaccination documentation across professional sports.