**Title: Granit Xhaka Under Investigation for Alleged Forged Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate**
Granit Xhaka, the captain of the Swiss national football team and a midfielder for Sunderland, is currently under investigation by Swiss prosecutors regarding allegations that he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The inquiry stems from events in 2022 when such certificates were required for various activities and international travel in Switzerland.
The public prosecutor's office in Lucerne has confirmed that it is examining whether any criminal behavior occurred in the acquisition of what has been described as a "false or forged" certificate. This investigation highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding vaccination documentation, particularly during the pandemic when many countries implemented strict health measures.
In a statement released on social media, Xhaka acknowledged his actions, expressing that he had a "mistrust" towards the vaccine and was "influenced by worries and uncertainty" at the time. He admitted to acquiring the vaccination certificate in a state of confusion rather than seeking proper clarification about his concerns. "Today I see clearly that this way was not correct. It was a mistake. I'm sorry," he stated, taking responsibility for his decision and expressing his willingness to cooperate with the authorities throughout the investigation.
The Swiss Office of Public Health clarified that while there was no general legal requirement to possess a vaccination certificate, it was necessary for access to various venues and activities, which meant that individuals without a certificate faced restrictions. These measures were in place until the spring of 2022, after which certificates continued to be issued primarily for international travel requirements.
In light of the investigation, the Swiss Football Association announced that Xhaka has withdrawn from the national team's upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. The decision to step back was made collaboratively between Xhaka and the team management, with discussions about his future with the Swiss team planned for after the international window.
Switzerland is scheduled to play away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland on September 26 and 29, respectively, followed by home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia in early October. Xhaka, who has earned 152 caps for Switzerland, captained the team during the recent World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Argentina.
Sunderland's head coach, Regis le Bris, refrained from commenting on the allegations against Xhaka following the team's recent defeat to Manchester City. He emphasized that his focus remains on football, stating, "About football, he is really good."
As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Xhaka's career and his role within both club and national teams remain uncertain. The case underscores the complexities surrounding Covid-19 regulations and the responsibilities of public figures in adhering to health guidelines.