Swiss Authorities Investigate Arsenal Star Granit Xhaka Over COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate

Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation into Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka over allegations that his COVID-19 vaccination certificate may be forged. The investigation centers on Xhaka's second vaccination certificate, which Swiss authorities suspect to be fraudulent, according to a report in Tages-Anzeiger.

The certificate is reportedly dated November 11, 2022. Just 24 hours later, Xhaka started for Arsenal in their Premier League match against Wolves, though he was substituted after 16 minutes due to a gastrointestinal infection. This rapid turnaround between the certificate's date and his participation in a match has raised questions.

Xhaka is said to have obtained the certificate from a family doctor in Lucerne. The Swiss national team captain admitted to wrongdoing in a statement, expressing uncertainty and distrust regarding the vaccine at the time. He stated, "In this turbulent emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels. Today I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry."

He added, "I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities." The offense of falsifying documents in Switzerland can carry a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Despite Xhaka's admission, Swiss authorities have reiterated that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The doctor implicated, Andrea Ludwig, has maintained her innocence. Ludwig has previously faced scrutiny for her treatment of coronavirus patients, including the use of the cancer drug opaganib under compassionate use, which critics referred to as a "miracle doctor."

Records indicate that Dr. Ludwig issued two vaccine certificates for Xhaka: one on January 25, 2022, and the second on November 11, 2022. The first certificate was issued before Arsenal's training camp in the United Arab Emirates, and the second came three days before Xhaka traveled to the Qatar World Cup. Travel to Qatar and Dubai did not require mandatory vaccination at the time, and the English Football Association or Premier League did not mandate vaccines during the pandemic, suggesting no repercussions in English football.

As a result of the investigation, Xhaka has been withdrawn from the Switzerland squad for their upcoming Nations League matches. He is the all-time appearance record holder for the Swiss national team with 152 games.

![Records show that Doctor Andrea Ludwig signed two vaccine certificates for Xhaka: January 25 2022 and November 11 2022](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/09/22/12/111395431-16150601-image-a-17_1790075306216.jpg "Records show that Doctor Andrea Ludwig signed two vaccine certificates for Xhaka: January 25 2022 and November 11 2022")

![Granit Xhaka is seen being substituted for Arsenal on November 12, 2022, the day after his disputed vaccine certificate is dated](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/09/22/11/111395047-16150601-image-m-5_1790074025582.jpg "Granit Xhaka is seen being substituted for Arsenal on November 12, 2022, the day after his disputed vaccine certificate is dated")

![Xhaka posted this image from the training ground - the day of his apparent second vaccine](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/09/22/11/111395043-16150601-image-a-2_1790073974003.jpg "Xhaka posted this image from the training ground - the day of his apparent second vaccine")

![Xhaka is pictured with his wife Leonita, who has been with the footballer since 2015](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/09/22/11/111395045-16150601-image-a-6_1790074110170.jpg "Xhaka is pictured with his wife Leonita, who has been with the footballer since 2015")

![Sunderland captain Xhaka is not joining up with Switzerland while he is under investigation](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/09/22/11/111395113-16150601-image-a-7_1790074183654.jpg "Sunderland captain Xhaka is not joining up with Switzerland while he is under investigation")