Granit Xhaka issues statement and withdraws from Switzerland squad amid five-year prison claims

Sunderland captain and Switzerland international Granit Xhaka has been forced to issue a statement after claims surfaced suggesting he may face prison time.

Xhaka, 33, announced that he has pulled out of the national team’s upcoming Nations League fixtures due to an ongoing investigation.

The Sunderland midfielder has admitted to obtaining a Covid-19 vaccination certificate despite not receiving the vaccine, issuing a public apology describing the decision as a “mistake”.

Granit Xhaka issues public apology

As reported by Swiss outlet Blick, Xhaka is under investigation by the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office, with the authority opening proceedings against the 33-year-old.

Despite refusing to comment on the matter after playing in Sunderland’s 5-3 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (September 20), Xhaka released the following statement on Monday (September 21):

“In recent days, a lot has been reported about an issue from my past. I would like to address it personally.

“At the time, in connection with the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns. I had deep distrust of the vaccine and was affected by fear and uncertainty.

“In this emotionally charged situation, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of having my unanswered questions clarified through the proper channels.

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

“I take responsibility for the decision, will face the process of clarifying the facts, and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.”

Xhaka was playing for Arsenal during the Covid-19 pandemic before signing for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, going on to win the Bundesliga and German Cup, as well as reach the Europa League final, under Xabi Alonso’s tutelage.

The Sunderland star is expected to appear before the public prosecutor’s office next month.

Under Swiss law, the offences being investigated can carry a maximum prison sentence of five years, although a custodial sentence is reported to be highly unlikely in Xhaka's case.

Swiss FA issue statement on Granit Xhaka withdrawal

Peter Knäbel, the president of the Swiss FA, explained how the federation and Xhaka had come to a mutual decision to withdraw the player from the squad for the matches against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia.

“Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation last night and told us that he will address it publicly and take responsibility,” he said.

“We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences. At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him. Our priority now is to calm the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming challenges in the UEFA Nations League.”

He added: “After the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the next steps.”