Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has been fined £136,265 and handed a two-year suspended sanction over the forgery of a COVID-19 certificate, Sky Sports News reports.
The development has put the Switzerland international back in the spotlight over an incident dating back to the period when COVID-19 vaccination certificates were being used as part of measures introduced during the pandemic.
According to the report, Xhaka was found to have been involved in the use of a forged COVID-19 certificate, leading to disciplinary action and the substantial financial penalty.
The 33-year-old midfielder has been ordered to pay £136,265, while a two-year sanction has been suspended.
The suspended nature of the sanction is important, as it does not automatically mean Xhaka has been banned from football for two years. A suspended sanction generally means the punishment is held in reserve and may only be activated if specified conditions are breached.
Xhaka has enjoyed a distinguished career at the highest level of European football. He spent seven years with Arsenal, where he served as captain, before moving to Bayer Leverkusen. He has also represented Switzerland extensively at international level.
The latest disciplinary decision comes years after the COVID-19 controversy and has generated significant attention because of Xhaka’s profile in European football.
The case highlights the serious consequences that can follow the falsification or misuse of official health-related documentation, even years after the events occurred.
