Sunderland's Granit Xhaka Fined for Fraudulent COVID Certificate

Granit Xhaka, the captain of Sunderland, has been handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately £136,265) after admitting to obtaining a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate while playing for Arsenal in 2022. The Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office sentenced him to 50 daily fines of 3,000 Swiss francs each, suspended for a two-year probation period.

This means Xhaka will not have to pay the fine if he commits no further offenses during this time. He has already covered the legal costs associated with the case.

Xhaka, 34, announced the outcome via social media, stating he accepts the decision and takes responsibility for his actions. The incident occurred during a time when COVID-19 restrictions were in place in Switzerland, requiring vaccination certificates for various activities.

Xhaka admitted to obtaining the fraudulent certificate despite not being vaccinated, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging he should have sought proper answers regarding his vaccine concerns.