Sunderland star and former Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka admits obtaining fake Covid vaccination certificate

Granit Xhaka has been under scrutiny in recent days following reports that the Sunderland midfielder had used fake documents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 33-year-old has now taken to Instagram to address the reports himself, confirming that he obtained a vaccination certificate despite not actually receiving the vaccine.

“Over the past few days, there has been a lot of reporting about an issue from my past. I would like to address it personally,” Xhaka wrote in the statement, adding:

"At the time, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. I had deep mistrust of the vaccine and was affected by fear and uncertainty.

"In this emotionally charged state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of addressing my outstanding questions through the proper channels.

“Today, I can clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry.”

The Sunderland and Switzerland captain is currently under investigation by Swiss police over the matter.

“I take responsibility for this decision, will cooperate fully in the investigation of the matter and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities," he stated.

Following the statement, the Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka will not take part in Switzerland's upcoming games.

"We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step and addressing the issue. At the same time, we have jointly concluded that it's in the team's best interest to go through this training camp without him. For us, the priority now is to restore calm and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming matches in the UEFA Nations League."

According to Swiss outlet Blick, Xhaka tested positive for coronavirus in 2021 and again in early 2022.