Photo via BBC Sport

Suspended fine for Xhaka over Covid-19 certificate

Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has accepted a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (around £136,000) for allegedly obtaining a forged COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The 34-year-old, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, admitted to the offence and stated he would take full responsibility, posting an apology on Instagram.

Xhaka, Switzerland’s record international with 152 caps, revealed he had initially expressed vaccine hesitancy due to personal concerns, leading him to seek a certificate for travel purposes. The Swiss health authorities had required such documentation for certain activities and travel until spring 2022, though it was never a universal legal obligation.

Xhaka’s legal penalty includes a suspended two-year term, with no further action required if he avoids further misconduct. He has already covered court costs and is expected to return to action for Sunderland’s upcoming match against Brighton on Saturday.

Xhaka’s public statement followed his withdrawal from Switzerland’s Nations League camp earlier this month, where he had captained the team to a quarter-final exit at the World Cup. Sunderland manager Regis le Bris confirmed Xhaka’s fitness is progressing well post-international break, though he declined to comment on the legal matter.

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