Granit Xhaka has accepted a two-year probation period and a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs after admitting he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022.
The Switzerland and Sunderland captain confirmed the decision in a statement on Instagram, saying he accepts the judgment and takes responsibility for his actions.
The punishment is a legal sentence, not a two-year football suspension. Xhaka remains available to play for Sunderland, with The Independent reporting that he is expected to return to club duty against Brighton on Saturday.
The 150,000 Swiss franc fine is also suspended. Xhaka said he has already paid the court costs, while the fine itself will only be enforced if he commits another offence during the two-year probation period.
The case dates back to 2022, when Xhaka obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. He had previously admitted the action and said he had been deeply uncertain about the vaccine at the time.
In his earlier statement, Xhaka described the decision as a mistake and said he would cooperate fully with the authorities.
The investigation was handled by prosecutors in Lucerne, Switzerland, as part of a wider case involving a local doctor. Xhaka gave evidence to prosecutors and missed four recent Nations League matches while the investigation was ongoing.
His legal case is now settled, but his future with the Swiss national team is still being discussed. The Swiss Football Association said it had taken note of the decision and would now hold talks with Xhaka about what happens next.
Xhaka, who is Switzerland's record men's appearance holder with 152 caps, remains available for club football as the legal case moves to a close.
