Suspended fine for Xhaka over Covid-19 certificate

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka says he has received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) for obtaining a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

Former Arsenal midfielder Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025

The 34-year-old, who is alleged to have obtained the certificate in 2022 when it was a requirement in Switzerland for some travel abroad, says the fine is suspended for two years provided he does not commit any further offences, and that he has already paid the court costs.

"A few weeks ago, I spoke personally here and said that I would take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that," the midfielder wrote in German on Instagram.

"I was sentenced by summary judgment for obtaining a false certification to a suspended fine of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000 [£2,726] each.

"I accept the decision and take responsibility for my actions. Thank you for the many messages of support over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me."

Source: BBC Sport