Granit Xhaka Left Out of Switzerland Squad After Admitting He Used a Fake Vaccination Certificate

A captain, a record of 152 caps for the national team, and suddenly, an exit through the back door right as an international break packed with fixtures gets underway. That's what just happened to Granit Xhaka, who has been left out of Switzerland's squad after admitting he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

The 33 year old Sunderland midfielder acknowledged the fact in a personal statement amid an investigation that had already been making waves in Switzerland: a Swiss doctor is suspected of producing fake certificates for unvaccinated people in the months following the pandemic. Xhaka now finds himself named in that case, and rather than hide, he chose to face it head on.

In his own words, the player explained the emotional state he was in when he made that decision:

"In recent days there has been a lot of information about a matter from my past. I want to address it personally. At the time I was deeply troubled and had serious reservations about the COVID-19 vaccine. I felt a deep distrust of the vaccine and was gripped by fear and uncertainty. In that state of emotional turmoil, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of working through my doubts through the proper channels. Today I see clearly that this was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, I am going through the corresponding process, and I am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities."Granit Xhaka

The sporting fallout was immediate: Xhaka will not be available for Switzerland's matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia during this international break. By all indications, the matter could also carry legal consequences, something the player himself hinted at when he mentioned he is already in contact with "the relevant authorities."

The Swiss federation responds

The president of the Swiss Football Association (SFV), Peter Knabel, came out in support of the decision to leave him off the squad, though in a tone aimed at separating the personal case from the player's future with the national team:

"We appreciate that Granit is taking this step and facing the issue head on. At the same time, we mutually agreed that the best thing for the team is to approach this squad without him. Our priority right now is to bring calm to the situation and focus fully on the team and the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Once this international break is over, we will reassess the situation with Granit and discuss the next steps."Peter Knabel

It feels less like a slammed door than a pause: the federation is leaving room to pick the conversation back up once the media storm passes. In the meantime, Xhaka continues with his routine at Sunderland, where he has played six matches this season, including the recent 5-3 loss to Manchester City. It remains to be seen how the legal process unfolds and whether, once this break is over, the Swiss captain will pull on his country's jersey again.