Granit Xhaka Penalized 150,000 Swiss Francs for Forged COVID-19 Certificate
Granit Xhaka received a conditional penalty of 50 daily fine rates totaling 3,000 Swiss francs with a two-year probationary period after obtaining a false COVID-19 test certificate, the player announced on Instagram. RMC Sport reported that the total financial penalty for the Switzerland captain reaches 150,000 Swiss francs, which equals approximately 160,800 euros. Xhaka accepted the penal order issued by the Lucerne public prosecutor’s office after admitting to the offense during an investigative hearing.
Sunderland Midfielder Cites Pandemic Anxiety Behind False Documentation
The current Sunderland player and former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder explained that he acted out of anguish and doubt during the pandemic. Xhaka stated on social media that he felt mistrustful of the vaccine when he acquired two falsified vaccination certificates. He noted that the 50-day conditional fine will not be executed as long as he avoids committing any further infractions during the two-year probationary period. He also confirmed that he already paid the associated procedural costs.
Swiss National Team Roster Changes Involving Xhaka and Embolo
The ongoing legal proceedings caused Xhaka and the Swiss Football Association to agree that the team captain would sit out the squad’s final UEFA Nations League gathering. Breel Embolo, Xhaka’s national teammate and former Monaco and Rennes forward, was dropped from the Swiss selection under the exact same circumstances for the final international break. Despite these roster absences, Switzerland currently leads Group 1 in League B.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Penal Order
Which legal authority investigated Granit Xhaka?
The public prosecutor’s office of Lucerne handled the inquiry and issued the penal order that Xhaka accepted.
What clubs has Granit Xhaka played for during his career?
The midfielder played for Basel, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen before joining Sunderland.
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