Granit Xhaka given suspended $180,000 Covid certificate fine

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has been given a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs ($180,000) after admitting he used a forged Covid vaccine certificate during the pandemic when he played for Arsenal.

The 34-year-old Sunderland captain said on Instagram that he had been sentenced by summary judgment for obtaining a false certification to 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs each, with a two-year probation period. He will not have to pay the fine if he commits no further offences during that period.

Xhaka said he accepted the decision and took responsibility. On Monday, he said he had presented a forged certificate to avoid mandatory vaccination during the Covid crisis and was cooperating with the relevant authorities.

Xhaka withdrew from Switzerland's recent Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia. Switzerland are due to face Slovenia on November 13 and Scotland on November 16.