Swiss captain Xhaka sidelined over fake Covid certificate

Sunderland's Granit Xhaka. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka will miss the international camp after admitting he acquired a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate, the Swiss ​Football Association (SFV) said on Monday.

The decision was reached jointly ‌by the player and SFV leadership after Xhaka issued a public statement acknowledging his actions.

"In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate ​instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path," ​Xhaka wrote in a statement on social media. "Today I ⁠see clearly that this path was not right. It was ​a mistake. I am sorry."

Xhaka, 33, added that he was cooperating ​fully with the relevant authorities. The midfielder, who plays for Sunderland in the Premier League, made his international debut in 2011 and is Switzerland's all-time ​record appearance holder with 152 caps.

SFV President Peter Knaebel welcomed ​Xhaka’s willingness to take responsibility.

"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 in a statement. "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."

Knaebel added that ​the focus must shift to maintaining calm ahead ​of the ⁠team's UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Switzerland gathered in Belek, Turkey, on Monday to prepare for away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed ⁠by ​home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia.

The ​SFV said it will reassess the situation with Xhaka after the conclusion of the ​international window.

Reuters