Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka is under investigation by Swiss authorities for possessing a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

The Swiss captain and a Swiss doctor are currently being investigated for fabricating a false COVID-19 vaccination certificate, which was required in Switzerland for travel abroad and for gatherings.

Xhaka admitted to the fabrication in a statement on his Instagram account, saying he had made a mistake because he mistrusted the vaccine. 

He said, “In recent days, there has been a lot of reporting about an issue from my past. I would like to address it personally.

“At the time, I was deeply uncertain and had serious concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccination. I had profound distrust of the vaccine and was influenced by fear and uncertainty.”

Xhaka said that he acquired the fake vaccination certificate due to his uncertainty instead of following the appropriate channels 

“Today, I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry.

“I take responsibility for this decision, will cooperate in the investigation and clarification of the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities,” the 33-year-old added.

The Swiss Football Association, in a statement on Monday, announced that he would be withdrawn from the Nati’s upcoming fixtures, adding that the issue would be assessed after the international break.

Peter Knäbel, the association’s president, said, “We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step and is taking on the processing. At the same time, we have come to the conclusion together that it is in the team’s interest to dispute this move without him. For us, it is now a matter of bringing peace to the situation and focusing fully on the team and the upcoming tasks in the UEFA Nations League.”

Mr Knäbel added, “After the conclusion of this international match window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the further procedure.”

In 2022, the midfielder tested positive for the virus, and at the time the country had set up measures requiring individuals to hold a vaccine certificate to enter venues and travel abroad, enabling gatherings among members of the public.

A spokesperson for the Lucerne cantonal prosecutor’s office said the probe seeks to determine whether any criminal offences were committed involving the possible fraudulent acquisition of a false certificate or document forgery.

Prosecutors could also charge and convict the Swiss international, who could either be hit with a huge fine or, in theory, up to five years in prison. 

However, a prison sentence is considered to be extremely unlikely.