Former Arsenal Captain Xhaka Admits COVID-19 Offence, Faces Possible Jail Term
Ademola Busayo 
Granit Xhaka faces investigation and up to five years in prison after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 certificate while playing for Arsenal
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka could face a fine or up to five years in prison in Switzerland after admitting he obtained a forged COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
The former Arsenal midfielder has accepted responsibility for his actions, but Swiss authorities are still investigating whether he committed an offence linked to document forgery.
Xhaka was playing for Arsenal when he obtained the vaccination certificate and has now admitted that he did not use the proper channels to address his concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the 33-year-old said he had serious reservations about vaccination at the time.
“I felt deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty. In this turbulent emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels,” Xhaka said.
“Today I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.”
Swiss authorities have confirmed that the Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Lucerne has opened an investigation into Xhaka.
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