Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka withdraws from national team after admitting to using fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from the national team's upcoming international matches after admitting to using a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder apologized in a social media statement on Monday, saying he made a mistake. The Swiss Football Association confirmed the decision, made jointly with Xhaka, and said they will reassess his situation after the international window. Xhaka is cooperating with authorities, including the Lucerne public prosecutor's office, which has opened proceedings against him. The team is preparing for Nations League matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia.