Granit Xhaka has been involved in a criminal investigation in Switzerland, as the Lucerne Prosecutor's Office is verifying whether the footballer's COVID-19 vaccination certificates were issued properly.
According to Swiss media outlet Blick, authorities are investigating whether Xhaka obtained a vaccination certificate without undergoing the relevant vaccination. Lucerne prosecutor's office spokesman Simon Kopp confirmed that proceedings have been opened against Xhaka and the doctor who allegedly issued the documents. The investigation aims to determine whether there were actions that could constitute a criminal offense, including obtaining a false certificate or falsifying documents.
The case concerns a doctor in Lucerne, whose office was raided by police in 2023. During the raid, authorities seized evidence that is now being examined as part of the investigation into several people suspected of having obtained irregular COVID-19 certificates.
Xhaka denies the allegations. His representative, Andreas Bantel, has stated that the footballer possesses documentation from a doctor proving that he was vaccinated twice, on January 25 and November 11, 2022. The doctor's lawyer has also stated that his client vaccinated Xhaka and that the procedure was carried out properly.
Whether these vaccinations were actually carried out and whether the documents were issued in accordance with the rules is one of the issues that the Lucerne Prosecutor's Office is currently verifying.
Xhaka is expected to be questioned by Swiss authorities in early October. According to Blick, the player has stated through his representative that he will fully cooperate with the authorities.
The case comes back to light several years after Xhaka tested positive for COVID-19 in September 2021. At the time, he was unvaccinated and later claimed to have been vaccinated. Authorities are now verifying documentation related to the alleged 2022 vaccinations.
