Granit Xhaka out of Scotland clash amid Covid vaccine certificate investigation

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka won’t face Scotland in the Nations League amid an investigation into an alleged fake Covid vaccine certificate.

Switzerland will visit Hampden Park on Tuesday, September 29, to face Scotland in Sébastien Pocognoli’s first home match in charge.

The veteran will also miss his nation’s home matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia after a joint decision was made between the player and the Swiss Football Association to omit him from the squad.

The Sunderland midfielder, who was an Arsenal player during the Covid pandemic, took to Instagram to admit he had obtained the certificate amid his “deep distrust of the vaccine”.

The Swiss captain said: “In recent days, a lot has been reported about an issue from my past. I would like to address it personally.

“At the time, in connection with the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns. I had deep distrust of the vaccine and was affected by fear and uncertainty.

“In this emotionally charged situation, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of having my unanswered questions clarified through the proper 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 the decision, will face the process of clarifying the facts, and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.”

SFV president Peter Knäbel issued a statement on the association’s official website confirming Xhaka won’t be part of the camp for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

“Granit Xhaka informed us about the facts last night and at the same time told us that he would make a public statement and take responsibility,” he explained.

“We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step and facing up to the reappraisal. At the same time, we have come to the conclusion that it is in the interest of the team to play this gathering without him.

“For us, it’s now about calming down the situation and focusing fully on the team and the upcoming tasks in the UEFA Nations League.

“After the end of this international window, we will reassess the situation together with Granit and discuss the next steps.”