Sunderland's Xhaka given probation over fake Covid certificate

📰 Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been put on two years' probation over a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate. 📌 Key points ⚖️ Lucerne prosecutors handed Xhaka two years' probation. 💰 A fine of 150,000 Swiss francs was suspended. 🧾 Xhaka obtained a fake vaccination certificate during the pandemic. 🗣️ He said: "I accept the decision and take responsibility." 🇨🇭 Switzerland won all four Nations League games without him. 📝 What happened ⚖️ The public prosecutor's office in Lucerne gave Xhaka two years' probation, it emerged on 8 October, along with a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (50 daily rates of 3,000 francs). The fine is suspended, so he will not have to pay it if he commits no further offence during the probation period. Xhaka will pay the court costs. 🧾 Xhaka had given a statement to prosecutors investigating a doctor in the canton. In September he admitted obtaining the forged certificate, citing a deep mistrust of the vaccine. 🗣️ On Instagram he wrote: "I accept the decision and take responsibility." He added that he had been in a turbulent emotional state at the time and made a poor judgement. 🇨🇭 The 34-year-old captains Switzerland and holds the men's appearance record with 152 caps. He withdrew from the squad for the last four Nations League games while the case concluded, and Switzerland won all four. 📊 By the numbers • Two years' probation • Suspended fine: 150,000 Swiss francs • Switzerland record: 152 caps • Switzerland won all four games in his absence 🔭 Why it matters With the legal case settled, Xhaka can focus on Sunderland, and his international future will come back into view. Sunderland host Brighton at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on 10 October.