---
title: "Granit Xhaka convicted for fake Covid certificate, fined 150,000 Swiss francs"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/granit-xhaka-convicted-for-fake-covid-certificate-fined-150000-swiss-francs"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/granit-xhaka-convicted-for-fake-covid-certificate-fined-150000-swiss-francs"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/granit-xhaka-convicted-for-fake-covid-certificate-fined-150000-swiss-francs.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/granit-xhaka-convicted-for-fake-covid-certificate-fined-150000-swiss-francs"
category: "Politics"
published: "2026-10-08T15:45:57.873Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-08T14:32:21.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-08T15:45:57.873Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-08T17:30:20.265859+00:00"
---

# Granit Xhaka convicted for fake Covid certificate, fined 150,000 Swiss francs

*The Switzerland captain announced his conviction and suspended fine via Instagram.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to Xhaka on Instagram, with multiple outlets reporting the conviction and fine.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. Reporting is largely based on digests, with limited original reporting and quotes from the subject.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use terms like 'spared jail' and 'condemned' which are not fully supported by the reporting.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss national football team, has been convicted for obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
- He announced the conviction himself on Instagram, stating he received a 50-day fine of 3,000 Swiss francs each, totaling 150,000 Swiss francs, which is suspended for two years.
- Xhaka withdrew from the Swiss squad for four Nations League games following the conviction.
- The conviction occurred in Lucerne, Switzerland, and involved a doctor being investigated.

Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss national football team, has been convicted for obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. He announced the conviction himself via an Instagram post on Thursday. Xhaka stated he received a penalty of 50 days-fine, with each day set at 3,000 Swiss francs, amounting to 150,000 Swiss francs. This fine is suspended for two years, meaning he will only have to pay it if he commits another offence.

The conviction relates to a case from 2022. Xhaka withdrew from the Swiss national team for four Nations League games during the period the case was being investigated by public prosecutors in Lucerne. Switzerland won all four of those matches.

## Disagreement on penalty details

While most reports agree Xhaka received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, the Medicine Hat News and Daily Jefferson County Union state he was put on two years' probation. Le Temps reports the conviction occurred in 2022, while Medicine Hat News states the case was revealed last month.

## Omissions

None of the right-rated digests mention that Xhaka withdrew from the Swiss national team for four Nations League games.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 30 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 42% (14)
- Centre: 42% (11)
- Right: 16% (5)

33 of 63 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-08T17:30:20.265859+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-08T18:00:25.106Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Reports from the left-rated outlets focused on Xhaka's announcement of his conviction and the details of the suspended fine. Several reports, including The Independent and The Independent (US), highlighted that Xhaka admitted to obtaining a fake Covid certificate. Le Temps, a full report, noted that Xhaka chose not to remain silent and made the announcement himself. The outlet also mentioned that the Swiss Football Association would discuss the matter with the player. NiagaraFallsReview.ca, The Hamilton Spectator, The Record, and Telegrafi all reported that Xhaka revealed his sentence for the forged certificate.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports, such as those from Medicine Hat News and Daily Jefferson County Union, led with Xhaka being put on two years' probation after admitting to obtaining a fake vaccination certificate. These outlets also noted his Instagram post where he stated, "I accept the decision and take responsibility." The Sunderland Echo reported that Xhaka announced the outcome of the COVID-19 vaccine certificate investigation, stating he had been handed a suspended fine. wz.de and saarbruecker-zeitung.de highlighted the 150,000 Swiss francs fine on probation.

### Right

- The right-rated reports focused on the financial penalty and the conditional nature of the sentence. Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported that the captain of the Swiss national team forged two vaccination certificates and has now been prosecuted, as he reported on Instagram. Focus.de stated that Xhaka is fined 150,000 francs but does not have to pay them if he stays free for two years. Daily Jefferson County Union reported that Xhaka was put on two years' probation after admitting obtaining a fake vaccination certificate.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 4
- high: 18
- unknown: 33
- veryHigh: 8

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [focus-news.net](https://focus-news.net/sport/3036800.html) — Granit Xhaka Fined 150,000 Francs for Fake Vaccination Certificate
- [Fussballdaten](https://fussballdaten.de/news/impf-affaere-strafe-granit-xhaka-steht-fest) — After Vaccination Affair: Penalty for Granite Xhaka Is Certain
- [sportschau.de](https://sportschau.de/fussball/nationsleague/impf-affaere-geldstrafe-auf-bewaehrung-fuer-xhaka,xhaka-gefaelschte-impf-zertifikate-urteil-100.html) — Vaccine Affair - Fine on Probation for Xhaka
- [iSport.ua](https://isport.ua/football/europe/10232918-dzhaka-poluchil-uslovnyj-shtraf-za-poddelnyj-covid-sertifikat) — Jaka Got a Suspended Fine for Forgery.
- [The Hindu](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/epl/granit-xhaka-probation-fake-covid-19-vaccination-certificate-case-switzerland/article71561202.ece) — Why was footballer Granit Xhaka fined by Switzerland authorities?
- [digisport.ro](https://digisport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-international/risca-5-ani-de-inchisoare-pentru-ca-si-a-falsificat-certificatul-covid-si-acum-si-a-aflat-pedeapsa-4532025) — He's Risking Five Years in Prison for Falsifying His COVID Certificate and Now He's Found Out His Punishment.
- [Globo](https://oglobo.globo.com/esportes/noticia/2026/10/08/xhaka-evita-prisao-e-e-multado-por-uso-de-falso-certificado-de-vacinacao-na-suica.ghtml) — Xhaka Avoids Arrest and Is Fined for Using False Vaccination Certificate in Switzerland
- [fotbolti.net](https://fotbolti.net/news/08-10-2026/xhaka-fekk-skilordsbundna-sekt-vegna-covid-vottordsins) — Xhaka Received a Conditional Fine for the Covid Certificate
- [Nieuws.nl](https://nieuws.nl/voetbal/straf-zwitserse-voetballer-xhaka-om-vals-coronavaccinatiebewijs) — Xhaka Receives a Suspended Fine for False Evidence
- [The Sunday Guardian Live](https://sundayguardianlive.com/sports/granit-xhaka-verdict-former-arsenal-star-fined-136265-over-fake-covid-certificate-key-details-revealed-301592) — Granit Xhaka Verdict: Former Arsenal Star Fined £136,265 Over Fake COVID Certificate
- [Jornal Expresso](https://tribuna.expresso.pt/futebol-internacional/2026-10-08-granit-xhaka-falsificou-o-seu-certificado-de-vacinas-contra-a-covid-19-e-vai-pagar--ou-nao--160-mil-euros-9a1166de) — Granit Xhaka Falsified His Vaccine Certificate Against Covid-19 and Will Pay (or Not) 160,000 Euros
- [TV9 Hindi](https://tv9hindi.com/photo-gallery/sports-photos/switzerland-footballer-granit-xhaka-fined-for-covid-certificate-forgery-check-fine-amount-3929658.html) — A Player Was Fined 1.75 Crore Rupees for a Fake Covid Certificate, but He Won't Have to Pay a Single Penny.
- [Correio da Manhã](https://cmjornal.pt/desporto/futebol/detalhe/granit-xhaka-multado-por-falsificar-certificado-de-vacinacao) — Granit Xhaka Fined for Falsifying Vaccination Certificate
- [Channel News Asia](https://channelnewsasia.com/sport/xhaka-handed-suspended-fine-over-fake-covid-19-vaccination-certificate-6443521) — Xhaka handed suspended fine over fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate
- [knews.media](https://knews.media/2026/10/08/granit-xhaka-fined-e161000-for-using-fake-covid-19-vaccination-certificate) — Granit Xhaka Fined €161,000 for Using Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Certif
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/desporto/3063596/granit-xhaka-multado-por-falsificar-certificado-de-vacinacao) — Granit Xhaka Fined for Falsifying Vaccination Certificate
- [Večernji list](https://vecernji.hr/sport/bivsi-kapetan-arsenala-osuden-zbog-lazne-potvrde-iz-doba-pandemije-evo-kakvu-je-kaznu-dobio-2002602) — The Former Arsenal Captain Was Sentenced for a False Certificate From the Era of the Pandemic: Here Is the Punishment He Received
- [gsp.ro](https://gsp.ro/international/campionate/granit-xhaka-pedeapsa-falsificare-vaccin-covid-19-985883.html) — Granit Xhaka Found Out His Punishment, After Acknowledging that He Falsified His Vaccination Certificate Against COVID-19
- [Fréttir - mbl.is](https://mbl.is/sport/enski/2026/10/08/granit_xhaka_fekk_ahugaverda_refsingu) — Granit Xhaka Got an Interesting Penalty
- [Dnevnik](https://dnevnik.si/sport/nogomet/kapetan-slovenskih-tekmecev-kaznovan-za-ponarejeno-potrdilo-o-cepljenju-2832718) — Slovenian Rivals' Captain Fined for Forged Vaccination Certificate
- [24 HU](https://24.hu/sport/foci/2026/10/08/granit-xhaka-hamis-covid-igazolas-felfuggesztett-buntetes) — Xhaka Received His Punishment for the Fake Covid Certificate
- [Punch Newspapers](https://punchng.com/just-in-granit-xhaka-fined-136000-over-fake-covid-certificate-report) — JUST IN: Granit Xhaka fined £136,000 over fake COVID certificate
- [GB News](https://gbnews.com/sport/football/granit-xhaka-fined-136k-forging-covid-19-vaccine-certificate) — Premier League star fined £136k for forging Covid-19 vaccine certificate
- [IndexHR](https://index.hr/sport/clanak/kupio-je-laznu-covid-potvrdu-dok-je-igrao-za-arsenal-sada-je-saznao-kaznu/2843566.aspx) — He Bought a Fake Covid Certificate While Playing for Arsenal. Now He's Found Out About the Punishment
- [sport.cz](https://sport.cz/clanek/fotbal-kapitan-svycarska-dostal-za-podvod-pokutu-s-podminkou-5550788) — Switzerland Captain Given Suspended Fine for Fraud
- [voetbalprimeur.nl](https://voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/2144547/xhaka-gestraft-voor-vals-vaccinatiebewijs.html) — Xhaka Punished for Falsifying Coronavirus Certificate: 'I Accept This Decision'
- [frenchfootballweekly.com](https://frenchfootballweekly.com/2026/10/08/granit-xhaka-reveals-his-heavy-sanction) — Granit Xhaka reveals his heavy sanction
- [Calcio News 24](https://calcionews24.com/xhaka-condannato-svizzera-falsi-certificati-covid-sanzione) — Xhaka Sentenced in Switzerland: False Covid Certificates, the Penalty Comes for the Captain of the National Team! His Explanation
- [yenicaggazetesi.com](https://yenicaggazetesi.com/isvicreli-yildiz-xhakaya-covid-19-cezasi-1079923h.htm) — Swiss Star Xhaka Receives Covid-19 Penalty.
- [Javanews.al](https://javanews.al/falsifikoi-certifikatat-e-vaksinimit-te-covid-19-xhaka-denohet-me-gjobe-te-kushtezuar-e-pranoj-vendimin-dhe-marr-pergjegjesine) — Falsifikoi Certifikatat E Vaksinimit Të COVID-19, Xhaka Dënohet Me Gjobë Të Kushtëzuar: E Pranoj Vendimin Dhe Marr Përgjegjësinë!
- [Le Temps](https://letemps.ch/sport/football/du-sursis-pour-granit-xhaka-dans-l-affaire-de-son-faux-certificat-de-vaccination) — Stay for Granit Xhaka in the Case of His False Vaccination Certificate
- [kurir.rs](https://kurir.rs/sport/fudbal/10127947/osudjen-granit-dzaka) — GRANIT ŽAKA CONDEMNED! The Captain of Switzerland Was Fined for the Forgery scandal...
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/sport/football/article-16193519/granit-xhaka-arsenal-sunderland-fake-covid-vaccine.html) — Granit Xhaka spared jail after confessing to faking Covid vaccine
- [Klix](https://klix.ba/sport/nogomet/granit-xhaka-osuden-zbog-laznog-covid-certifikata-ali-ipak-nece-u-zatvor/261008188) — Granit Xhaka Convicted for a Fake Covid Certificate, but Still Won't Go to Jail
- [nemzetisport.hu](https://nemzetisport.hu/minden-mas-foci/2026/10/hamis-covid-igazolas-miatt-kapott-felfuggesztett-buntetest-granit-xhaka) — Granit Xhaka Given Suspended Sentence for Fake Covid Certificate
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/sport/football/granit-xhaka-fake-covid-certificate-investigation-b3063532.html) — Xhaka reveals investigation outcome after admitting to using fake Covid certificate
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/sport/football/granit-xhaka-fake-covid-certificate-investigation-b3063532.html) — Xhaka reveals investigation outcome after admitting to using fake Covid certificate
- [onetz.de](https://onetz.de/sport/150000-schweizer-franken-geldstrafe-bewaehrung-fuer-xhaka-id5525714.html) — 150,000 Swiss Francs Fine on Parole for Xhaka
- [noz.de](https://noz.de/sport/fussball/artikel/150-000-schweizer-franken-geldstrafe-auf-bewaehrung-fuer-xhaka-51564762) — 150,000 Swiss Francs Fine on Parole for Xhaka
- [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/sport/fussball/auslandsfussball/150000-schweizer-franken-geldstrafe-auf-bewaehrung-fuer-xhaka_aid-156200923) — Fake Vaccination Certificates: 150,000 Swiss Francs Fine on Probation for Xhaka
- [volksfreund.de](https://volksfreund.de/sport/fussball/auslandsfussball/150000-schweizer-franken-geldstrafe-auf-bewaehrung-fuer-xhaka_aid-156200935) — Fake Vaccination Certificates: 150,000 Swiss Francs Fine on Probation for Xhaka
- [wz.de](https://wz.de/sport/fussball/international/150000-schweizer-franken-geldstrafe-auf-bewaehrung-fuer-xhaka_aid-156200939) — 150,000 Swiss Francs Fine on Parole for Xhaka
- [Sunderland Echo](https://sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-news-granit-xhaka-9275029) — Granit Xhaka announces outcome of COVID-19 vaccine certificate investigation
- [ESPN](https://espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50132564/switzerland-granit-xhaka-probation-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case) — Switzerland's Granit Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/sports/soccer/2026/10/08/switzerland-granit-xhaka-fake-covid-vaccination/c8f07f36-c31b-11f1-8170-681419af1cc9_story.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [Medicine Hat News](https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/national-sports/2026/10/08/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [Daily Jefferson County Union](https://dailyunion.com/sports/national/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case/article_9cf21a24-c262-56a4-9822-cfa6e593073a.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [The Star Democrat](https://stardem.com/ap/nation/sports/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case/article_0a6f90e6-f75e-5b8f-8ea6-13ed0c0604e5.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [Chronicle Online](https://chronicleonline.com/sports/soccer/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case/article_f033a6d7-1d75-5a0e-9c89-e9cacb39f35b.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [albeu.com](https://albeu.com/sport/granit-xhaka-ben-te-ditur-vendimin-per-ceshtjen-e-certifikates-se-falsifikuar-te-covid-19/1045998) — Granit Xhaka bën të ditur vendimin për çështjen e certifikatës së falsifikuar të COVID-19
- [Neue Zürcher Zeitung](https://nzz.ch/sport/wegen-gefaelschtem-covid-zertifikat-staatsanwaltschaft-verurteilt-granit-xhaka-zur-bedingter-geldstrafe-ld.10028243) — Granite Xhaka Sentenced for Fake Covid Certificate
- [Telegrafi](https://telegrafi.com/granit-xhaka-zbulon-denimin-e-tij-per-certifikaten-e-falsifikuar-te-covid-19) — Granit Xhaka Reveals His Sentence for Forged Covid-19 Certificate
- [focus.de](https://focus.de/sport/fussball/xhaka-muss-strafe-wegen-impf-faelschung-nur-vielleicht-zahlen_280502a3-7d74-49c7-9de1-c590e12ba792.html) — 150,000 Francs: Xhaka May only Have to Pay the Penalty for Immunization
- [Zëri](https://zeri.info/sport/640432/falsifikimi-i-certifikates-se-vaksinimit-merret-vendimi-per-granit-xhaken) — Falsifikimi i certifikatës së vaksinimit, merret vendimi për Granit Xhakën - Lajmet e fundit
- [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/sunderland-star-confirms-punishment-after-public-drama-accepts-conviction) — Sunderland star confirms punishment after public drama - Accepts conviction
- [RTS](https://rts.ch/sport/football/2026/article/granit-xhaka-amende-avec-sursis-pour-faux-certificat-covid-29379962.html) — Granit Xhaka: Suspended Fine for False Covid Certificate
- [watson](https://watson.ch/sport/fussball/449674452-gefaelschtes-covid-zertifikat-granit-xhaka-erhaelt-bedingte-geldstrafe) — Now the Xhaka Judgment Is Known for the Certificate Fraud
- [Blick](https://blick.ch/sport/fussball/nati/nati-captain-granit-xhaka-verurteilt/l0fh78h) — Nati-Captain Granite Xhaka Sentenced
- [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/sports/soccer/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case/article_83794332-73cd-54e6-bad7-5400d7feb029.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/sports/soccer/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case/article_d5cbff2b-e1ae-55cf-9a10-26329b7c4291.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/sports/soccer/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case/article_a4fbd690-9616-506d-aeea-d8187c7e270c.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/sports/soccer/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case/article_fc40a8f6-0d27-5924-843c-b4df10e31728.html) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/sports/soccer/2026/10/08/switzerland-captain-xhaka-gets-probation-in-fake-covid-19-vaccination-document-case) — Switzerland captain Xhaka gets probation in fake COVID-19 vaccination document case

## Questions

**What was Granit Xhaka convicted for?**

Granit Xhaka was convicted for obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. He announced this himself on Instagram, stating he accepted the decision and took responsibility.

**What was the penalty for obtaining the fake certificate?**

Xhaka received a 50-day fine of 3,000 Swiss francs each, totaling 150,000 Swiss francs. This fine is suspended for two years, meaning he will only have to pay it if he commits another offence.

**Did Xhaka withdraw from any games?**

Yes, Xhaka withdrew from the Swiss national team for four Nations League games. Switzerland won all four of these matches.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/granit-xhaka-convicted-for-fake-covid-certificate-fined-150000-swiss-francs. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Granit Xhaka convicted for fake Covid certificate, fined 150,000 Swiss francs", https://mediabias.news/politics/granit-xhaka-convicted-for-fake-covid-certificate-fined-150000-swiss-francs