Granit Xhaka continues to make waves in Switzerland, but not just here. The Switzerland and Sunderland captain admitted on Monday that he had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and instead received a fake certificate that “proved” he had been vaccinated. This has led to Xhaka being written about across Europe. This time not in a positive light.
In fact, last week in Switzerland, the topic of Xhaka's vaccination or not became a topic. The Lucerne Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into him. He was suspected of obtaining forged certificates proving his vaccination, without having been vaccinated at all. Xhaka will be questioned by Swiss authorities early next month.
Xhaka made the sensational post on Instagram on Monday, admitting that he had obtained the vaccination certificate.
"There have been many reports in recent days about an issue from my past. I would like to speak out about it. At the time, I was deeply concerned and had great doubts about the Covid-19 vaccination. I felt a deep distrust of the vaccine and was overcome by fear and uncertainty. In that state of emotional turmoil, I secured a vaccination certificate instead of resolving my questions through the appropriate channels," Xhaka wrote.
He now believes he was wrong not to get vaccinated. And he has apologized.
"Today I see clearly that this was the wrong path. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision. I am facing the process of clarifying the facts and I am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities," Xhaka wrote.
Last week, Xhaka's representatives denied reports that he had not been vaccinated. As the truth began to emerge, Xhaka decided to accept the truth. The Swiss media has written extensively on the subject, while presenting facts that did not match.
It is not the first time that Xhaka has caused a stir in Switzerland, including with controversial actions.
While he has written football history in Switzerland and has become the best footballer this country has ever had, Xhaka has often been in the media for other things.
Together with the Swiss Football Federation, Xhaka has decided not to join Switzerland for the next four matches, which will be played this month and in early October.
"Granit Xhaka informed us last night about the situation and stated that he would address the matter publicly and take responsibility," said the president of the Swiss Football Association, Peter Knabel. In a way, the Swiss federation has offered support to captain Xhaka.
"We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step and is directly confronting the issue. At the same time, we agreed that it is in the best interest of the team to continue with this training camp without him. Our priority now is to bring calm and focus fully on the team and the upcoming Nations League matches," the head of the Swiss federation wrote.
Switzerland gathered in Belek, Turkey, on Monday. Xhaka remained in England.
"Once this international break is over, we will reassess the situation with Granit and discuss next steps," Knabel stressed.
The Swiss media's writings about Xhaka, of course, have not stopped.
Blick wrote that Xhaka's admission has polarized the media community. Some readers have called for consequences, including his dismissal from the Swiss national team. Others understand the player's situation and have praised him for his public statement.
The majority of "Blick" readers believed that Xhaka should leave the national team. 39 percent were against this move.
But the Swiss federation president said that Xhaka's retirement from the national team was not under discussion. He said that Xhaka's behavior showed how a captain should react in such a situation.
The newspaper "20 Minuten" asked whether Xhaka is worthy of continuing to be Switzerland's captain.
"Bluewin" has written about other athletes who have forged COVID certificates. In another article, this medium has presented the punishment that could be imposed on Xhaka. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to imprisonment for up to five years or a financial fine. In fact, the chances are high that Xhaka will be fined financially.
Even major international media outlets have written about Xhaka's case. "BBC" has written about the investigation being conducted against Xhaka regarding the certificate.
Reuters reported that Xhaka was "sidelined" for a fake vaccination certificate. The AP reported that Switzerland captain Xhaka has admitted to the mistake of forging a vaccine and has withdrawn from the upcoming Nations League matches.
There will be more writings and comments about Xhaka in the coming days. He has said that he has gone through even more difficult times in his career. And the admission he made on Monday seems to pave the way for him to overcome this challenge as well.