Granit Xhaka has issued a statement responding to allegations he obtained a false vaccination certificate.

Granit Xhaka will not link up with the Switzerland national team in the current international window after confirming that he acquired a COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic.

In a statement, Xhaka said he acknowledged he had made a mistake due to reservations he held about the vaccine, and that he was ready to face the consequences and cooperate fully with the Swiss authorities.

Reports in Switzerland over the weekend claimed the investigations centred on whether Xhaka had secured a certificate proving he had received the coronavirus vaccine - despite never actually being vaccinated. The Swiss media also reported he was due to appear before the public prosecutor's office at the beginning of October to answer questions.

"A matter has been reported on in recent days, and I would like to comment on it personally," Xhaka said. "At the time, I was personally very unsettled and had serious reservations regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. I harboured deep mistrust of the vaccine and was gripped by fear and uncertainty. In this agitated state of mind, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my outstanding questions through the proper channels. Today I see clearly that this path was not the right one. It was a mistake. I am sorry.

"I accept responsibility for this decision, am addressing the examination of the facts, and am cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.”

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In a statement, the president of the Swiss Football Association said that a joint decision had been made for Xhaka to withdraw from the squad and that the situation would be reviewed after the break. “Granit Xhaka informed us about the situation last night and told us that he will address it publicly and take responsibility,” Peter Knäbel said.

“We welcome Granit taking this step and facing the consequences. At the same time, we jointly concluded that it is in the team’s best interest to complete this training camp without him. Our priority now is to calm the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming challenges in the UEFA Nations League.”

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