Granit Xhaka handed £136,000 suspended fine over false Covid certificate

Granit Xhaka has accepted a suspended financial penalty of 150,000 Swiss francs, approximately £136,000, after obtaining a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

The Sunderland captain announced the decision by Swiss prosecutors in a social media statement on Thursday.

The punishment carries a two-year probation period. It is not a two-year suspension from football.

What does Granit Xhaka’s punishment mean?

The penalty comprises 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs. Xhaka said it would not be enforced provided he committed no further offences during the probation period.

He also confirmed that he had paid the procedural costs.

“I accept the decision and take responsibility,” Xhaka said in his statement, reported by the Northern Echo.

The case concerns a false vaccination certificate obtained in 2022.

What happens next for Sunderland and Switzerland?

Xhaka missed Switzerland’s four Nations League matches during the recent international break.

According to Swiss broadcaster SRF, the Swiss Football Association will now hold discussions with him about their future together.

His international position therefore remains a separate matter from the financial penalty.

At club level, the Northern Echo reports that Xhaka is expected to captain Sunderland against Brighton on Saturday.

Regis Le Bris said the midfielder had trained well during the break and was in a positive position football-wise.

Sunderland’s match forms part of the Premier League’s return following the international window.

Follow all the latest: Football live: Premier League 2026/27 news, transfers and updates.