A Swiss court has issued a fine of approximately 136,000 British pounds, equivalent to 3.2 billion Indonesian Rupiah, against Sunderland captain and Swiss National Football Team player Granit Xhaka. This ruling relates to Xhaka's possession of a forged COVID-19 vaccination certificate. 

Responding to the verdict, the 34-year-old midfielder confirmed he accepts the ruling and takes full accountability for his actions which took place in 2022. 

Despite the significant value of the fine, the sentence has been suspended for a two year period, on the condition that Xhaka does not commit any further legal violations during this window.

"I accept this decision and take full responsibility for my actions. Thank you for all the messages of support received over the past weeks. These messages mean a very great deal to me," Xhaka posted via his official Instagram account on Friday.

This ruling concerns the fraudulent vaccination certificate Xhaka obtained while he was still under contract with Arsenal in 2022. At the time, Switzerland required valid COVID-19 certificates for access to a wide range of public activities, venues, and all cross-border international travel.

Xhaka was formally found guilty of obtaining the forged document. During court proceedings, he stated his choice was influenced by widespread public concern and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine at that time.

Xhaka emphasised that his willingness to take accountability was not a last-minute reaction to the court ruling. He confirmed he had already publicly stated this position multiple weeks prior, and remains committed to this stance.

"I stated publicly right here several weeks ago that I would take full responsibility for the choices I made. I am standing firmly by that statement," Xhaka added.

Case Originated During The COVID-19 Pandemic

This matter first emerged during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions heavily regulated public life and international travel.

Swiss Public Health Office officials have previously clarified that there was never an official legal obligation for citizens to receive vaccination or hold a vaccine certificate. 

However, the document was a mandatory requirement to enter specific venues, attend events, and satisfy border entry rules for overseas travel.

Switzerland ended all domestic COVID-19 certificate requirements in spring 2022. Even after this date, related documentation continued to be issued exclusively to fulfil international travel entry rules for foreign countries.

When the allegations first became public, Xhaka immediately acknowledged that obtaining the forged certificate was a serious mistake. He cooperated fully throughout the legal process and has repeatedly stated he will accept the final court outcome.

The case has disrupted his international career duties. Following widespread public attention on the matter, Xhaka withdrew from the Swiss national team training camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia during the recent international break.

Xhaka remains the most capped player in the entire history of the Swiss men's national team, with 152 senior appearances. He also captained the side during their run to the quarter-final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, before Switzerland was eliminated following a defeat to Argentina.

Sunderland Focused Solely On Xhaka's Match Readiness

At club level, Xhaka is expected to be fully available for selection for Sunderland's fixture against Brighton on Saturday 10 October. Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has chosen not to issue any comment regarding Xhaka's ongoing legal matter.

Le Bris has instead focused only on Xhaka's fitness and performance in club training following the international break. The manager confirmed Xhaka has shown positive progress and is currently in good physical condition.

"I will make no comment regarding matters that take place outside of the Football pitch. However, from everything I have observed over the international break, he has trained to an extremely high standard. That is very positive. He is in good competitive footballing shape, and as far as I am concerned that is the only thing that matters," Le Bris concluded.