Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is under investigation by Swiss authorities over allegations that he obtained a false COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has issued an emotional statement after becoming entangled in controversy after admitting to obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022 during the pandemic.
As a result, Xhaka has withdrawn from the Switzerland national squad for the upcoming international break, after facing scrutiny for allegedly using false documentation during COVID-19.
Reports in Xhaka’s native Switzerland suggest that the Sunderland midfielder will be questioned by Swiss authorities in October regarding the alleged proceedings.
The alleged offence is said to have taken place in 2022, when it was a requirement in Switzerland for some travel abroad, at the time when Xhaka was captain of Sunderland’s fellow Premier League side Arsenal, where he left the following year for Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
According to Sky Sports News, Swiss authorities are investigating a doctor who is alleged to have incorrectly issued a series of COVID-19 vaccination certifications during the pandemic.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka (Action Images via Reuters)Granit Xhaka Issues Statement Amid COVID-19 Vaccination Controversy
Amid the reports, Xhaka issued an emotional statement on his social media platforms to address the allegations, with the Sunderland captain admitting that he is "sorry" for his actions.
Following the bombshell reports, Xhaka has admitted to forging a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, in what the Sunderland captain described as “a mistake.”
The Swiss and Sunderland skipper added that he is "cooperating fully with the relevant authorities" in regards to the allegations.
Xhaka explained on Instagram: "A matter has been reported on in recent days, and I would like to comment on it personally.
"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.
"In this agitated state of mind, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my outstanding questions through the proper channels.
"Today I see clearly that this path was not the right one. It was a mistake. I am sorry.
"I accept responsibility for this decision, am addressing the examination of the facts, and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.”
As a result of Xhaka reportedly securing a false certificate of vaccination despite never having received the coronavirus vaccine, the 33-year-old is said to be due at the Swiss public prosecutor's office in the city of Lucerne in October to answer questions on the matter.
In the immediate future, Xhaka will not feature for Switzerland in the three-week long international break, as several of his Sunderland teammates depart Wearside to link up with their national sides.
Amid the controversy coming to light, Swiss Football Association president Peter Knabel explained the decision to see Xhaka withdraw from the Switzerland squad was a joint decision, meaning the midfielder will miss UEFA Nations League Group clashes against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia.
Knabel said: "Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation last night and told us that he will address it publicly and take responsibility.
"We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences. At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him.
"Our priority now is to calm the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming challenges in the UEFA Nations League."
Manchester City's Elliot Anderson in action with Sunderland's Granit Xhaka (Action Images via Reuters)What Happens Now For Granit Xhaka And Sunderland?
From a Sunderland perspective, the news of Xhaka's allegations will be an unprecedented dilemma for the Stadium of Light hierarchy to contend with over the coming weeks.
Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris refused to comment on the allegations following Sunderland's 5-3 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, but the club may have to officially address the news if the situation progresses.
For now, it remains to be seen whether Xhaka's conduct amounts to a criminal offence as a result of allegedly forging documents, which is subject to severe financial penalties or even possibly imprisonment up to five years in his native Switzerland.
For Sunderland, it is an unwelcomed issue to grapple with, and now Xhaka and his employers will be nervously waiting the decision of the investigatory process, which could lead to a potential lengthy ban for the Black Cats captain.
