Granit Xhaka handed suspended £136,000 fine for forged Covid certificate
Sunderland and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) for obtaining a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The 34-year-old accepts the decision and has already paid court costs.
- Fine: 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000), suspended for two years
- Daily rate: 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 (£2,726) each
- Condition: Suspended provided no further offences
- Next match: Sunderland host Brighton on Saturday (15:00 BST)
- Switzerland caps: Record appearance holder with 152 caps
What was said
"A few weeks ago, I spoke personally here and said that I would take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that."
"I was sentenced by summary judgment for obtaining a false certification to a suspended fine of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 [£2,726] each."
"I accept the decision and take responsibility for my actions. Thank you for the many messages of support over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me."
"No comment on external topics but [from] what I've seen during the international break, he has trained really well. It's positive. He's in a good place football-wise and for me that is the most important."
Xhaka's statement, written in German, is a direct acceptance of the legal outcome. He had previously posted on 21 September saying he had a "mistrust" towards the vaccine and had been "influenced by worries and uncertainty". That was while he was playing for Arsenal in 2022. He then withdrew from Switzerland's camp for their Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia in the international break that has just concluded.
Le Bris's comments show the club is focused on football matters. Xhaka trained well over the international break and is expected to return to action against Brighton. The head coach's refusal to comment on external topics indicates Sunderland will manage the situation internally.
The numbers
- Fine: 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000)
- Daily rate: CHF 3,000 (£2,726) x 50 days
- Suspension period: two years
- Switzerland caps: 152 (record appearance holder)
- Sunderland vs Brighton kick-off: 15:00 BST on Saturday
Injury and availability
Granit Xhaka is not injured. He is expected to return to action when Sunderland host Brighton on Saturday. He withdrew from Switzerland's camp for their Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia in the international break that has just concluded. No injury has been reported.
Why Xhaka's fine won't derail Sunderland's season
Granit Xhaka remains a key figure for Sunderland. His experience and leadership are vital. The suspended nature of the fine means he avoids paying the full amount unless he commits another offence within two years. He has already paid court costs, so the financial impact is limited. More importantly, his focus appears to be on football. He trained well during the international break, according to Regis le Bris.
From a tactical perspective, Xhaka's presence in midfield gives Sunderland control and composure. Against Brighton, his ability to dictate tempo will be crucial. Brighton are known for their possession-based style, and Xhaka's defensive discipline and passing range will help Sunderland counter that. Le Bris will likely rely on him to shield the back four and launch attacks.
Off the pitch, the club has handled the situation with a no-comment approach on external topics. That allows Xhaka to concentrate on his game. The support from fans, as mentioned by Xhaka, also suggests he retains goodwill. With the legal matter now suspended, Xhaka can focus on helping Sunderland climb the table. His return against Brighton is timely.
Talking points
- Should Xhaka have kept the matter private instead of posting on Instagram? His openness may invite further scrutiny.
- Does the suspended fine send a strong enough message about forged certificates? Some may argue it's a lenient outcome.
- Sunderland's decision to avoid commenting on external topics is sensible, but does it leave fans wanting more clarity?
- Xhaka's on-field form will be under the microscope. Can he block out the noise and deliver against Brighton?
What happens next
Xhaka is expected to return to action when Sunderland host Brighton on Saturday at 15:00 BST. The match is a chance for Sunderland to secure points and for Xhaka to move forward. If he avoids further offences for two years, the fine will not be enforced. Sunderland will continue to manage the situation internally, with Le Bris focusing on football.
Frequently asked questions
Is Granit Xhaka playing for Sunderland against Brighton?
Yes, he is expected to return to action when Sunderland host Brighton on Saturday (15:00 BST).
What fine did Granit Xhaka receive?
He received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000), which is 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 (£2,726) each, suspended for two years.
Why was Granit Xhaka fined?
He was fined for obtaining a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
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