Advertisement
Granit Xhaka admits to forging Covid-19 vaccination certificate while still playing for Arsenal
21st September, 2026 06:59 PM
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has confessed to buying a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate during his time at the London club in 2022.
The 33-year-old midfielder broke his silence on social media following a fresh criminal investigation opened by authorities in his home country of Switzerland.
Fear and deep distrust
Publishing a note on his official Instagram story on September 21, 2026, the current Sunderland captain explained that panic and doubt drove his choice at the height of the pandemic.
He revealed that he was hesitant about getting the jab when Premier League players were required to follow strict health rules.
“Regarding the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns at the time,” Xhaka wrote. “I felt deep distrust towards the vaccine and was marked by fear and uncertainty.”
The former Gunners playmaker admitted that his state of mind led him to take a shortcut rather than seeking medical advice. “In this troubled emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels,” he confessed.
Xhaka expressed regret for his actions and apologised to fans and the public. “Today, I clearly see that this was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry,” he stated, adding that he will take full responsibility for his decision.
Legal troubles and team removal
The public confession follows an inquiry launched by the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office in Switzerland. Prosecutors are investigating whether Xhaka fraudulently obtained the fake document from a Swiss doctor whose clinic was raided by police in 2023 for allegedly issuing fake certificates to clients without administering jabs.
Under Swiss law, document forgery charges carry a fine or a possible prison sentence, though legal experts expect any penalty to focus on financial fines.
Following discussions with the national team, the Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka has been dropped from the squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia.
The federation noted that removing their captain was in the best interest of the team to avoid distractions.
Xhaka, who made over 220 appearances for Arsenal before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and later Sunderland, insisted he will not run away from the law.
He confirmed that he is “fully co-operating with the relevant authorities” as investigators review the case.
