More trouble for Granit Xhaka, Switzerland leaves him out of the national team

New troubles for footballer Granit Xhaka.

The Switzerland captain will not be part of the Nations League matches, while at the beginning of October he will be questioned by the Lucerne Prosecution over the vaccination certificate case.

Granit Xhaka faces an unusual and serious legal situation in Switzerland, as after the latest developments the Swiss national team captain has been left out of the national team squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

Xhaka is under investigation by the Lucerne Prosecution over a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The investigation aims to determine whether a criminal offense was committed in connection with obtaining a false document or forging documents.

The case took another turn on Monday, after Xhaka himself admitted that during the pandemic he had secured a vaccination certificate, explaining that at the time he had fear and distrust toward the vaccine. The footballer also said he considers that decision a mistake and is ready to cooperate fully with the authorities.

It is precisely this case that has kept Xhaka from joining Switzerland for the upcoming Nations League matches. He had been expected to be part of the squad, but will now miss the call-up while the investigation continues.

Faces up to 5 years in prison

The legal risk is what makes the situation particularly grave. Swiss legislation foresees for document forgery a sentence of up to 5 years in prison or a financial penalty, depending on the act and circumstances. This is a maximum measure foreseen by law and does not mean Xhaka has been convicted or will receive this sentence.

The Switzerland captain is expected to be questioned by the Lucerne Prosecution at the beginning of October. Until the procedure concludes, the presumption of innocence applies to Xhaka. Thus, one of Switzerland’s key figures in recent years now sees himself out of the national team precisely at a time when the team is playing Nations League matches, while in parallel he must face criminal proceedings in his country.

For Xhaka, the situation is no longer just a sports matter. The investigation in Switzerland could have far greater consequences, while the final decision will depend on the procedure and the evidence to be examined by the authorities.