Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has accepted a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) after being convicted of obtaining a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
The Switzerland midfielder confirmed the punishment on Instagram on Thursday, saying the sentence was issued by summary judgment. It consists of 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs each and has been suspended for two years.
Under the terms of the sentence, Xhaka will not have to serve the financial penalty provided he does not commit another offence during the probation period. He also confirmed that he has already paid the court costs.
Xhaka said he accepts the decision and takes full responsibility for what happened.
The case relates to a Covid certificate obtained in 2022, when Xhaka was playing for Arsenal. At the time, Switzerland had introduced certificates for access to certain activities and venues, while they could also be required in connection with international travel.
The 34-year-old had previously admitted that he had acted out of mistrust and uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 vaccination. He subsequently agreed with the Swiss Football Association to stay away from the national team while prosecutors investigated the matter.
As a result, Xhaka missed Switzerland's four Nations League matches during the latest international window against North Macedonia, Scotland, Slovenia and North Macedonia. Switzerland won all four games and currently lead their Nations League group.
Xhaka is Switzerland's record men's international appearance holder with 152 caps. He also captained the team during their impressive run at the 2026 World Cup, which ended with a 3-1 quarter-final defeat by eventual runners-up Argentina.
With the legal matter now settled, Xhaka is expected to return to club action when Sunderland host Brighton on Saturday.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris declined to discuss the external issue but praised Xhaka's work during the international break.
He said the midfielder had trained well and was in a good place football-wise, adding that his condition on the pitch was the most important thing for Sunderland.
Xhaka will now look to put the controversy behind him and focus on helping Sunderland as the Premier League season resumes.
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