Granit Xhaka said on Thursday that he has been placed on two years' probation after admitting he obtained a fake vaccination certificate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conviction, handed down by public prosecutors in Lucerne, also included a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (about $180,000).
The Switzerland and Sunderland captain confirmed the details in an Instagram post, writing, "I accept the decision and take responsibility." He added that the fine was suspended and that he had paid the court costs.
The case had been revealed in Swiss media reports the previous month. Xhaka withdrew from Switzerland's squad for four Nations League fixtures in the two weeks before his statement, during which time he gave testimony to Lucerne prosecutors, who were investigating a doctor in the canton.
Xhaka holds the men's record for most appearances for Switzerland, with 152 caps. Switzerland won all four Nations League group matches it played without him.
