Two years on probation! Xhaka learns his punishment in fake Covid certificate scandal
Granit Xhaka's fake vaccination certificate scandal has finally reached a verdict.
Details: The Lucerne prosecutor's office has handed the Sunderland midfielder a suspended financial penalty of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately €160,000, for obtaining a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The punishment consists of 50 daily penalty units of 3,000 francs each, with a two-year probation period. Xhaka will only have to pay the penalty if he commits another offence during that period.
The 34-year-old footballer announced the decision himself on October 8 through social media. Xhaka confirmed that he had accepted the ruling and taken full responsibility for his actions. He also revealed that he had already paid the legal proceedings costs.
The case dates back to 2022, when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal. The midfielder previously admitted purchasing a fake vaccination certificate because of his fears and deep mistrust of the Covid-19 vaccine. He publicly apologized after the scandal emerged in September.
Due to the investigation, Xhaka missed Switzerland's four recent Nations League matches. The Swiss Football Association has acknowledged the prosecutor's decision and intends to hold discussions with the midfielder about his future with the national team.
It's worth noting that Xhaka holds the record for the most appearances for Switzerland's men's national team, with 152 caps. At club level, he represents Sunderland, whose next Premier League fixture is against Brighton on October 10.
Reminder: Scandal doubles! Embolo admits fake Covid certificates after Xhaka
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
