# Granit Xhaka receives suspended fine for COVID certificate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-granit-xhakas-covid-19-certificate > Updated: 2026-10-08T12:36:53.000Z. Sources: 203. Developments: 6. The criminal investigation into Swiss national football team captain Granit Xhaka regarding a falsified COVID-19 vaccination certificate has reached a legal conclusion. The Lucerne public prosecutor's office has issued Xhaka a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs. The penalty consists of 50 daily rates of 3,000 francs each, subject to a two-year probationary period. Xhaka, who previously admitted to obtaining the irregular certificate in 2022 due to ‘moments of fear and doubt’ and ‘deep mistrust’ regarding immunization, will not have the fine enforced provided he commits no further offenses during the probation. He has already covered the legal costs of the proceedings and expressed via social media that he accepts full responsibility for his decision. While the legal matter regarding the certificate is resolved, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) has acknowledged the ruling and indicated that further discussions will be held to determine if there are any additional sporting consequences. The scandal previously resulted in Xhaka being excluded from international training camps and Nations League fixtures. However, national team manager Murat Yakin has expressed a desire for Xhaka’s return to the squad. ## Claims - Breel Embolo will not join the Swiss national team for their upcoming training camp and Nations League matches. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Embolo purchased two forged COVID-19 travel certificates via WhatsApp in February 2021. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Embolo accepted a criminal order regarding the fake certificates and chose not to contest the penalty. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The SFV removed Embolo from the squad to ensure the team remains focused on Nations League matches. (single source) - Granit Xhaka is also implicated in an investigation regarding forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Granit Xhaka receives suspended fine for forged COVID-19 certificate Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs for forging a COVID-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. 44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/granit-xhaka-sentenced-for-falsified-vaccination-certificates ### 2026-09-25: Breel Embolo dropped from Swiss squad over fake Covid certificates Swiss striker Breel Embolo has been dropped from the national team for the Nations League after being sanctioned for using forged Covid-19 certificates, following similar removal of captain Granit Xhaka. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/breel-embolo-removed-from-swiss-national-team-over-fake-covid-19-certificates ### 2026-09-25: Granit Xhaka faces investigation over COVID-19 certificate Swiss football captain Granit Xhaka faces investigation over a falsified COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Former player Benjamin Huggel defends his leadership role despite the legal proceedings. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benjamin-huggel-defends-granit-xhakas-captaincy ### 2026-09-23: Granit Xhaka faces investigation over COVID-19 certificate Swiss football captain Granit Xhaka faces investigation for using a suspected false COVID-19 certificate. His doctor maintains he was vaccinated, while Xhaka admitted to the error due to vaccine mistrust. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/granit-xhaka-faces-investigation-over-covid-19-certificate-1 ### 2026-09-21: Granit Xhaka admits to using forged Covid-19 certificate Swiss football captain Granit Xhaka admitted to using a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate, prompting a criminal investigation and his exclusion from upcoming national team matches. 123 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/granit-xhaka-to-miss-nations-league-matches-amid-covid-certificate-probe ### 2026-09-18: Granit Xhaka under investigation for alleged forged COVID-19 certificate Swiss national team captain Granit Xhaka is under investigation in Lucerne for allegedly using a forged COVID-19 vaccination certificate. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/granit-xhaka-investigated-over-alleged-fraudulent-covid-19-certificate --- Cite as: Granit Xhaka receives suspended fine for COVID certificate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-granit-xhakas-covid-19-certificate