Switzerland’s training camp in Belek will begin without its captain after Granit Xhaka withdrew from the squad while a criminal investigation unfolds in his home country.
Xhaka steps away from Switzerland squad
- Xhaka informed the Swiss Football Association on Sunday evening that he is the subject of an investigation by prosecutors in Lucerne.
- The midfielder subsequently confirmed that, several years ago, he obtained a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
- Following talks between Xhaka and the Swiss FA leadership, both parties agreed that he would not join the national team gathering, which starts on Monday in Turkey.
- Switzerland are due to face North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia during the upcoming Nations League window.
- The 152-cap international is expected to be questioned by authorities at the start of October. A conviction could carry a prison sentence of up to five years.
Xhaka admits mistake
In a message posted on Instagram, Xhaka said his doubts and anxiety around Covid-19 vaccination had shaped his decision at the time.
“I had serious fears and deep reservations about the vaccine,” Xhaka said. “In that troubled emotional state, I obtained a vaccination document. It was a mistake and I regret it.”
The Switzerland captain added that he would submit to the investigation and cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.
Swiss FA to review situation after international break
Swiss FA president Peter Knäbel said the association had been told of the situation by Xhaka on Sunday night and welcomed the player’s willingness to cooperate. The federation will revisit the matter with him once the international window is over.
Xhaka, who has scored 18 goals for Switzerland, remains one of the leading figures of a side that recently reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The Kosovo-born midfielder left Basel in 2012 and has since played for Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, Sunderland and Bayer Leverkusen.
