Xhaka to miss Switzerland’s next 4 Games after fake Covid certificate admission

The 33-year-old apologised in a social media statement on Monday, explaining that anxiety and distrust surrounding the vaccine had influenced his decision. He acknowledged that his actions were wrong and said he was cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.

“I now clearly see that I made the wrong choice. It was a mistake. I apologise,” Xhaka wrote.

The admission comes amid an investigation by prosecutors in Lucerne into the circumstances surrounding the certificate. The inquiry remains ongoing, with no finding of criminal guilt announced. SRF

The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Xhaka would not join the national team’s training camp in Belek, Turkey, following discussions between the player and senior federation officials.

His absence is a jointly agreed withdrawal from the upcoming international camp, rather than a formal four-match suspension.

Federation president Peter Knäbel said Xhaka had informed officials of the situation on Sunday evening and expressed his intention to address it publicly and take responsibility.

Knäbel welcomed the midfielder’s willingness to clarify the matter, but said both parties agreed that proceeding without him was in the team’s best interests. The immediate priority, he added, was to restore calm and allow the squad to concentrate on its Nations League fixtures.

The federation will reassess the situation with Xhaka after the international window before deciding on the next steps.

Switzerland begin their campaign away to North Macedonia on Saturday before travelling to Scotland on September 29. Home fixtures against Slovenia and North Macedonia follow in Lucerne on October 3 and October 6.

Their remaining group matches are scheduled for November, against Slovenia on November 13 and Scotland three days later.

For now, Switzerland must prepare for a demanding four-game stretch without their captain, with his return to the national side still to be determined.