Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from the Switzerland national team squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia after he responded to allegations that he had previously acquired a fake COVID vaccination certificate.

The midfielder has reportedly been under investigation in Lucerne, Switzerland for allegedly obtaining a fake certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 without having received the vaccination.

The doctor who allegedly issued Xhaka's certificate is also under investigation over allegations that they provided false certificates to other people as well and the offices at which they practice was searched by authorities back in 2023.

Back in 2021, Xhaka contracted COVID-19 and missed matches for Switzerland at a time when the Swiss Footballing Federation were not requiring all of their players to receive vaccinations against the virus.

He obtained the certificate in 2022, when COVID-related certificates were being used in Switzerland and for certain travel requirements, a requirement that was eventually lifted in the spring of that year.

Why Granit Xhaka Apologised Over the COVID Certificate

Xhaka recently took to social media to make a public statement on the issue, in which he apologised for his decision, saying he had serious concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine at the time.

His statement read:

A matter has been reported on in recent days, and I would like to comment on it personally. At the time, I was personally very unsettled and had serious reservations regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. <br><br>I harboured deep mistrust of the vaccine and was gripped by fear and uncertainty. In this agitated state of mind, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my outstanding questions through the proper channels. Today I see clearly that this path was not the right one. It was a mistake. I am sorry.<br><br>I accept responsibility for this decision, am addressing the examination of the facts, and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.

Why Granit Xhaka Has Withdrawn From the Switzerland Squad

Xhaka was scheduled to link up with the Swiss national team for their Nations League matches, but in coordination with the Swiss Football Association, a mutual decision was reached for him to withdraw from the squad.

"Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation last night and told us that he will address it publicly and take responsibility," Peter Knäbel said on behalf of the Swiss Football Association on the matter.

"We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences. At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him. Our priority now is to calm the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming challenges in the UEFA Nations League," Knäbel continued.

For Switzerland's record appearance holder, with 152 caps, Xhaka's immediate future with the national team remains uncertain, but time will tell whether or not he'll be involved with the squad during the next international break in November.

As far as Sunderland are concerned, it is presumably business as usual but manager Regis le Bris did not comment on the matter after the 5-3 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.

"It is not my area to speak about those problems or situations," he said. "My area is football. About football, he is really good," the Sunderland boss said.