Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.Subscribe`; document.body.appendChild(modal); modal.addEventListener('click', () => { document.cookie = 'mos-plan-select=; Max-Age=0; path=/; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 UTC;'; }); modal.querySelector('.subscribe-link')?.addEventListener('click', (e) => { e.preventDefault(); document.cookie = 'mos-plan-select=; Max-Age=0; path=/; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 UTC;'; setTimeout(() => { window.location.href = 'https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app'; }, 500); });});]]>Jamie BraidwoodMonday 21 September 2026 13:04 BSTSwitzerland captain Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from his country's upcoming international fixtures after admitting to using a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic.The 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder posted an apology on social media, explaining that his actions stemmed from a “deep mistrust of the vaccine” and acknowledging that obtaining the fraudulent document was a “mistake”.According to reports, public prosecutors in Lucerne have opened proceedings against Xhaka, who allegedly obtained the certificate from a doctor currently under investigation, with the player expected to be questioned by authorities next month.Following a joint decision between Xhaka and the Swiss Football Association, Switzerland's most-capped player will miss Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia.Swiss Football Association president Peter Knabel welcomed Xhaka facing the consequences of his actions and confirmed that the association will reassess his involvement ahead of November's international match window.In fullGranit Xhaka out of Switzerland squad after admitting to faking Covid vaccinationMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in