Granit Xhaka admits buying fake COVID-19 certificate

Switzerland national football team captain Granit Xhaka has admitted to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

In a statement posted on social media, Xhaka said:

“A lot has been written in recent days about an issue from my past. I want to personally address it. At the time, I was personally experiencing great uncertainty and serious concerns in connection with the COVID-19 vaccine. I felt a deep distrust of the vaccine and was acting out of fear and uncertainty.”

The 33-year-old player added:

“In this intense emotional state, instead of resolving my unanswered questions through the proper channels, I bought a vaccination document, a vaccination certificate. Today, I clearly see that this was not the right way to proceed. It was a mistake. I am sorry for it. I take responsibility for this decision, am cooperating with the process of clarifying the matter and am fully cooperating with the competent authorities.”

A criminal investigation had been opened against Xhaka on suspicion that he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. According to reports, the Swiss footballer obtained the certificate from his doctor without being vaccinated, while the doctor is also under investigation for allegedly issuing a fake certificate. The footballer reportedly obtained certificates stating that he had been vaccinated in January and November 2022.

After a criminal investigation was launched against him over the alleged fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate, Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka was also removed from the squad selected for UEFA Nations League matches.

Photo: Instagram/granitxhaka