Switzerland Captain Granit Xhaka Investigated Over COVID-19 Certificate Forgery
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka faces a criminal investigation in Lucerne over suspected COVID-19 certificate forgery, risking legal penalties and club consequences.
Granit Xhaka, the captain of the Swiss national, has found himself at the center of a major scandal after the Lucerne prosecutor's office launched an investigation against him and a local doctor over suspected document forgery.
Investigation and Legal Context
According to Swiss media, police raided the clinic of a doctor suspected of issuing numerous fake COVID-19 certificates back in 2023. Investigators suspect that Xhaka was among her clients, receiving a vaccination certificate despite allegedly never receiving the jab. Xhaka is scheduled to appear for an official hearing before prosecutors in early October.
Legal expert André Kuhn noted that document forgery in Switzerland is considered a severe offense. "Document forgery can be punished with a fine or up to five years in prison. However, if proven, a first-time offender typically receives a suspended fine along with a mandatory secondary fine of up to 10,000 francs," Kuhn explained, emphasizing that the initiation of proceedings requires reasonable suspicion but does not determine final guilt.
Document forgery can be punished with a fine or up to five years in prison. However, if proven, a first-time offender typically receives a suspended fine along with a mandatory secondary fine of up to 10,000 francs.
Potential Sporting Consequences
In addition to his legal troubles, the Swiss midfielder could face significant sporting repercussions. Xhaka has played for the English club Sunderland since 2025, and Premier League contracts clearly stipulate that clubs have the right to unilaterally terminate agreements in cases of gross misconduct.
While a criminal proceeding does not automatically trigger sporting sanctions, damage to trust and club reputation could lead to contract termination in England, as well as omission from the national squad. Xhaka's spokesperson, Andreas Bantel, stated that the footballer is fully cooperating with law enforcement and possesses official medical documentation showing he received his doses in 2022.
Defense and Upcoming Hearing
The doctor's defense attorney, Cornel Borbély, has rejected all allegations, stating that the procedure was handled entirely by the book. The Swiss Football Association briefly noted that it has no reliable information at this stage and will not issue statements while the investigation continues, reminding the public that all suspects are presumed innocent.
The upcoming hearing in early October poses a scheduling challenge, as the Swiss national team is set to play a UEFA Nations League match against North Macedonia in Lucerne on October 6.
