Granit Xhaka Releases Statement Amid Swiss Investigation
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has released a statement addressing an investigation in Switzerland concerning an alleged false COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Reports in Switzerland had claimed that the former Arsenal midfielder was facing questions over whether he obtained documentation indicating that he had received a COVID-19 vaccination despite allegedly not being vaccinated.
The reports also suggested that Xhaka could face a potential prison sentence if convicted of an offence relating to false documentation.
However, it is important to stress that the investigation does not mean Xhaka has been convicted of any offence. The matter remains subject to examination by the relevant authorities.
Xhaka has now spoken publicly about the situation and acknowledged that he made a mistake.
Xhaka Breaks His Silence
In a statement released on Monday morning, Xhaka addressed the reports directly.
He said:
“At the time, I was personally very unsettled and had serious reservations regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. I harboured deep mistrust of the vaccine and was gripped by fear and uncertainty.”
Xhaka then explained that, rather than resolving his concerns through what he described as the proper channels, he obtained a vaccination certificate.
He added:
“In this agitated state of mind, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my outstanding questions through the proper channels.”
The Sunderland captain acknowledged that he now believes the decision was wrong.
“Today I see clearly that this path was not the right one. It was a mistake. I am sorry.”
Xhaka also said that he accepts responsibility for his decision and is cooperating with the relevant authorities as the facts are examined.
Reports of a Possible Five-Year Sentence
The situation has attracted significant attention because of reports concerning the potential legal consequences in Switzerland.
According to the GiveMeSport report, Swiss media have reported that Xhaka could potentially face a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine depending on the offence and the outcome of the investigation.
However, a potential maximum sentence should not be interpreted as an indication that Xhaka will receive such a sentence.
The exact legal consequences would depend on the findings of the investigation, the applicable offence and any eventual court proceedings.
The investigation therefore remains an important distinction from a conviction.
Why Is Xhaka Being Investigated?
The reports centre on a COVID-19 vaccination certificate that allegedly indicated Xhaka had received a vaccination.
Xhaka’s own statement now acknowledges that he obtained a vaccination certificate while he had serious concerns about the vaccine.
The circumstances surrounding how the certificate was obtained and who was responsible for issuing it are part of the wider investigation.
The GiveMeSport report also referenced a Lucerne doctor who was investigated in 2023 over allegations concerning COVID-19 certificates issued to people who had not received vaccinations.
The doctor’s lawyer, Cornel Borbely, reportedly previously said that the doctor had vaccinated Xhaka.
The subsequent reports questioning whether Xhaka had actually received the vaccination have therefore raised further questions for investigators.
Those facts are now being examined by the relevant authorities.
Xhaka Had Previously Refused to Comment
The latest statement comes after Xhaka declined to discuss the matter immediately following Sunderland’s dramatic 5-3 defeat against Manchester City.
After the eight-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium, Xhaka was approached by Swiss outlet NZZ and asked about the investigation.
At that stage, the midfielder made it clear that he wanted to focus on football.
He said:
“There’s no comment on that. I played football today. And that’s what matters to me right now.”
When he was asked whether the situation had affected him, Xhaka reportedly replied:
“Not at all, I’ve had worse things happen.”
His latest statement represents a much fuller response to the reports.
Régis Le Bris Also Declined to Comment
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris was also asked about the situation.
According to the supplied report, Le Bris declined to comment on the investigation and instead focused on Xhaka’s footballing contribution.
The Sunderland manager has previously spoken positively about the midfielder’s influence since his arrival at the club.
Xhaka remains an important figure for Sunderland, having taken on the captaincy and brought extensive Premier League and international experience to a team adapting to life back in the top flight.
Xhaka’s Focus on Sunderland
The investigation comes at a difficult moment for Sunderland on the pitch.
The Black Cats were involved in a remarkable 5-3 defeat against Manchester City, with Brian Brobbey scoring a hat-trick for the visitors.
Xhaka played in the match as Sunderland competed with City for long periods before ultimately being beaten by the champions.
The defeat left Sunderland with four points from their opening five Premier League matches, according to the supplied report.
The result was frustrating, particularly because Sunderland scored three times at the Etihad and created a number of opportunities.
Brobbey’s hat-trick was one of the major positives, while the team also demonstrated that they can cause problems for one of the strongest sides in the division.
A Significant Development
Xhaka’s statement is significant because it is the first detailed public response attributed to the Sunderland captain since the reports emerged.
Rather than denying the central issue, Xhaka acknowledged that he obtained a vaccination certificate while experiencing doubts and uncertainty about the vaccine.
He also described the decision as a mistake and apologised.
Most importantly from a legal perspective, however, the investigation is not the same thing as a conviction.
The authorities still have to examine the facts and determine whether any offence has been committed.
Xhaka’s statement that he is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities indicates that the matter remains ongoing.
What Happens Next?
Swiss authorities are expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding the certificate.
Reports have suggested that Xhaka is due to appear before the public prosecutor’s office at the beginning of October to answer questions.
What follows will depend on the outcome of that process.
For now, claims about a possible five-year prison sentence should be understood as references to a potential maximum penalty under the offences cited in the report, rather than a prediction of what will happen to Xhaka.
There has been no conviction reported in the material supplied.
Xhaka will meanwhile continue his footballing responsibilities with Sunderland.
The midfielder remains an experienced figure within Le Bris’ squad, and Sunderland will now prepare for the remainder of their campaign after the international break.
Xhaka Accepts Responsibility
The most notable aspect of Xhaka’s statement is his admission that he made a mistake.
He explained that he had been deeply uncertain about the COVID-19 vaccine at the time and accepted that obtaining a certificate instead of resolving his concerns through the appropriate channels was the wrong decision.
He also apologised and said he was cooperating with the authorities.
The investigation will now determine the legal consequences, if any, arising from the circumstances.
Until that process is completed, the precise outcome remains uncertain.
For Sunderland supporters, the immediate focus will also return to the football pitch.
Xhaka’s first season at the club has already featured Premier League football, European competition and the responsibility of captaining the side.
His latest statement ensures that the issue surrounding the Swiss investigation is now out in the open, but the next stage will be determined by the relevant authorities rather than speculation surrounding the case.