Granit Xhaka, the captain of Sunderland and former Arsenal midfielder, has been handed a suspended fine of £136,265 after he admitted to forging a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The ruling comes from a Swiss court following an investigation into the matter, which dates back to his time at Arsenal in 2022.

The 34-year-old Swiss international was sentenced to a suspended fine calculated at 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs, approximately £2,725 per day. However, he will only need to pay this fine if he commits any further offences during a two-year probationary period.

In a statement shared on social media, Xhaka expressed his acceptance of the court's decision, stating, "A few weeks ago, I spoke personally here and said that I would take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that." He elaborated on the circumstances that led to his actions, revealing that he acted out of a "deep mistrust" and "serious reservations" regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, which left him feeling unsettled and in emotional turmoil.

The incident prompted significant repercussions for Xhaka, including his exclusion from the Swiss national team during the subsequent international break while the investigation was ongoing. The Swiss Football Association confirmed that he would miss key matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia, all of which Switzerland won.

Xhaka's actions occurred during a time when COVID-related restrictions were still prevalent, and he later transitioned from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, where he enjoyed success by winning the Bundesliga and the German Cup. He returned to England in 2025 to join Sunderland, where he has since taken on the role of captain and has started all five of their Premier League matches this season.

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Lucerne confirmed the issuance of a penalty order but refrained from providing further comments as the legal proceedings are not yet concluded. Xhaka's case highlights the ongoing challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by athletes during the pandemic, particularly regarding vaccination and public health policies.