Suspended fine for Xhaka over Covid-19 certificate

Sunderland and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) for obtaining a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The 34-year-old midfielder announced the penalty via social media, confirming the fine is suspended for two years provided no further offenses occur, and noted he has accepted the summary judgment and paid all related court costs.

Xhaka, who reportedly acquired the certificate in 2022 while playing for Arsenal, cited mistrust and uncertainty regarding the vaccine for his actions. After withdrawing from Switzerland's recent Nations League fixtures following the initial revelation, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris confirmed the midfielder trained well during the international break and is expected to feature against Brighton on Saturday.