Inside the Fake Certificate Saga: Swiss Federation President Reveals Conversation with Xhaka — ‘His Withdrawal Was Never Discussed’

After admitting he had obtained a forged vaccination certificate, Granit Xhaka missed the national team camp.

Hours later, Peter Knäbel gave an interview to Blick and SRF, also addressing the captaincy issue.

When and how did Granit Xhaka inform you about his forged vaccination certificate?

On Sunday, Granit Xhaka informed me that he had obtained a vaccination certificate in 2022 without being vaccinated himself. He also told us he would make this public on Monday and take full responsibility for it.

We then decided together that he would skip this camp, so the team can fully focus on the Nations League campaign. That was also very important for Granit.

How turbulent have the last 72 hours been for you?

This is a significant case for us. We are talking about the player with the record number of appearances for the Swiss national team. It was important for us to know the facts. Granit gave them to us, also with the aim of communicating clearly. That allowed us to determine our measures together. The timing was extremely stressful. But knowing each other is always an advantage.

What was Granit Xhaka like during this conversation?

He seemed reflective and calm. His thoughts were clear and he knew what he wanted at that moment. The conversation touched me, yet it was very easy and pleasant to talk with him about it, including the possible consequences.

What does Xhaka’s future with the national team look like?

We welcome the fact that he took on this responsibility. After the team camp, we will discuss together how to shape the future. We deliberately chose this approach to keep all options open. In these open and honest discussions, we will find a solution that works for everyone.

Was Granit Xhaka’s withdrawal from the national team ever discussed? Is Xhaka still a valid option for the captain’s armband?

His behavior has shown how a captain should react in such a situation. We will discuss everything else later. However, this is the second time he has become the protagonist of negative headlines off the pitch. Players with character and personality are certainly welcome here, especially those with Granit Xhaka’s quality. Of course, someone whose body is their own working and living tool will have concerns and will try to treat it with care. That is why I can understand his thoughts and doubts to some extent. But I do not see him as an undisciplined player who constantly crosses the line or draws negative attention.

To what extent can Xhaka’s case be compared with Patrick Fischer’s forged vaccination certificate?

I see big differences between these cases. Granit did not need the vaccination certificate to take part in a major tournament or international matches. The Swiss Football Federation (SFV) issued a vaccination recommendation at the time, not an obligation. So it is a completely different case from Patrick Fischer’s.

How has the team reacted to this incident?

I cannot say anything about that yet. The players have just arrived here in Belek. Of course, this incident is a topic of discussion, but the players are still happy to have gathered together again for the first time since the World Cup.