Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka will miss the international camp after admitting to acquiring a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate, according to the Swiss Football Association (SFV). The decision was made jointly by Xhaka and the SFV leadership following his public acknowledgment of the situation.
Xhaka stated, "In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path. Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry." The 33-year-old midfielder, who plays for Sunderland in the Premier League, has made 152 appearances for the national team since his debut in 2011, making him Switzerland's all-time record appearance holder.
SFV president Peter Knaebel expressed appreciation for Xhaka's willingness to take responsibility. "Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation yesterday evening and told us at the same time that he would comment publicly on it and take responsibility," Knaebel said in a statement. "We welcome Granit taking this step. At the same time, we came to the joint conclusion that it is in the best interest of the team to complete this gathering without him."
Knaebel emphasized the need to maintain calm as the team prepares for UEFA Nations League fixtures. Switzerland is currently gathered in Belek, Turkiye, for away matches against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home games against Slovenia and North Macedonia. The SFV plans to reassess the situation with Xhaka after the international window concludes.