Swiss Soccer Star Granit Xhaka Avoids Jail for Falsifying COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate

Swiss footballer Granit Xhaka has been convicted of obtaining a false COVID-19 vaccination certificate but has avoided a jail sentence. The former Arsenal and current Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was issued a suspended fine totaling approximately $147,000 across 50 days.

Authorities investigated Xhaka after he admitted to having a "deep distrust" of the vaccine and obtaining a certificate without using proper channels in 2022, while he was playing for Arsenal. While vaccination was not mandatory for Premier League players, it did reduce quarantine periods for close contact and travel.

Xhaka accepted a summary penalty order for "obtaining a false certification." The penalty will not be enforced if he commits no further offenses during a two-year probation period. He has already paid the procedural costs associated with the case.

In a statement on Instagram, Xhaka said, "I accept the decision and take responsibility." He added, "Thank you for the many supportive messages over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me."

Reports indicate that the vaccination certificate in question was dated November 11, 2022. This date is significant as it was the day before Arsenal played away at Wolves, a match Xhaka started. Xhaka also posted a team photo on Instagram on that same day, marking his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal, and was pictured training in London.

According to Swiss media, Xhaka obtained the certificate from a doctor in Lucerne. The doctor, Andrea Ludwig, had previously faced scrutiny for her use of an unapproved cancer drug for COVID-19 patients under 'compassionate use.' Records show Ludwig issued two vaccine certificates for Xhaka: one on January 25, 2022, and another on November 11, 2022. The first certificate was issued shortly before Arsenal's training camp in the United Arab Emirates, and the second was dated three days before he traveled to the Qatar World Cup. However, Xhaka is not believed to have broken any laws regarding travel to Qatar or Dubai, as vaccines were not compulsory for entry.

In September, Xhaka addressed the situation, stating, "Regarding the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns at the time. I felt deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty. 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."