Granit Xhaka Receives Suspended $180,000 Fine Over Fake COVID Certificate

Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, approximately $180,000, after admitting that he obtained a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic. The 34-year-old midfielder confirmed that the penalty consists of 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs. However, he will only be required to pay the fine if he commits another offense during a two-year probation period. Xhaka accepted responsibility for his actions following the decision. “I accept the decision and take responsibility,” he said in a statement shared on Instagram. The Switzerland international previously acknowledged obtaining the fake vaccination certificate in 2022. He has since described the decision as a mistake. The case was investigated by prosecutors in the Swiss canton of Lucerne, where Xhaka provided a statement as part of the proceedings. Xhaka is Switzerland’s most-capped male footballer, with 152 appearances for the national team. The midfielder also missed four recent UEFA Nations League matches after reaching an agreement with the Swiss Football Association to sit out the international window while the case was being handled. The Swiss Football Association said further discussions with Xhaka would take place following the conclusion of the legal proceedings.