<\/p>\n
Switzerland will have to play their next four Nations League matches without captain Granit Xhaka, after he admitted to having used a forged Covid vaccine certificate during the pandemic.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old midfielder admitted on his social media channels Monday that he had presented a forged certificate to avoid mandatory vaccination during the Covid crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the time, I was very worried about the issue of Covid-19 vaccination \u2026 I felt deep mistrust regarding the vaccine and was gripped by anxiety and doubt,\u201d he said on Instagram.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday I clearly see that I made the wrong choice. It was a mistake. I am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xhaka added that he was \u201cco-operating fully with the relevant authorities\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Lucerne public prosecutor\u2019s office is currently investigating the matter, according to Swiss media.<\/p>\n
The charge carries with it a penalty of up to five years in prison.<\/p>\n The Swiss Football Association meanwhile announced that it had decided, in agreement with the player, that he would not join the Swiss national team in Belek in Turkey for a training camp starting Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cFollowing his personal statement regarding his vaccination status, Granit Xhaka will not participate in the men\u2019s national team\u2019s upcoming gathering,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\n