The 34-year-old, who captains both Sunderland and Switzerland, confirmed the outcome of the case in a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The ruling was issued by the Lucerne Public Prosecutor’s Office in Switzerland.
According to the decision, Xhaka was handed a suspended financial penalty of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately KSh25 million. The fine consists of 50 daily penalties of 3,000 Swiss francs each and will not be enforced if he commits no further offences during the two-year probation period.
Xhaka said he accepted the ruling and took full responsibility for his actions. He also confirmed that he had cooperated with prosecutors, provided a statement and paid the legal costs associated with the proceedings.
The midfielder previously admitted obtaining the fraudulent certificate in 2022, when he was playing for Arsenal in England. He explained that his decision was influenced by his deep mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines at the time.
In an earlier public statement, Xhaka acknowledged that his actions were wrong and expressed regret over the decision.
The controversy also affected his international commitments, with the Swiss captain missing four recent UEFA Nations League fixtures while the legal process was ongoing.
Following the conclusion of the case, the Swiss Football Association indicated that it would hold further discussions with the midfielder regarding his future with the national team.
Xhaka, who has earned a record 152 appearances for Switzerland, continues to captain Sunderland in the English Premier League.
The case marks a significant off-field development for the experienced midfielder as he seeks to move forward following the legal ruling.
