Sunderland impact revealed as Granit Xhaka gets Swiss punishment for Covid offence

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka will avoid a football ban after accepting a suspended fine from Swiss authorities over obtaining a false Covid certificate in 2022. The midfielder received a suspended monetary penalty of 50 daily rates of 3,000 Swiss francs, roughly £126,000, with a two-year probation period following an investigation in Lucerne.

The resolution clears Xhaka to continue playing for Sunderland without disruption, with manager Regis Le Bris confirming he will captain the team against Brighton on Saturday. Xhaka was previously omitted from Switzerland's squad during the recent international break while resolving the matter.