▲ Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), who was excluded from the Swiss national football team's roster for the September and October A-matches over charges of purchasing a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate, has received a suspended fine.
Xhaka announced via his social media today (October 9, Korea Standard Time), "I received a summary penalty order for acquiring a false COVID-19 certificate, resulting in a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately 240 million won), calculated as 50 days of fines at 3,000 Swiss francs per day."
He added, "I humbly accept the verdict and take responsibility for my actions. Thank you for the many messages of support sent to me, which have given me great strength."
Xhaka was investigated by Swiss prosecutors on charges of acquiring a forged certificate in 2022, a time when COVID-19 vaccination certificates were mandatory for overseas travel in Switzerland.
Due to this, Xhaka, who is the captain of the Swiss national team, was excluded from the squad for the September and October A-matches.
The court sentenced Xhaka to the suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs on the condition that he does not commit further offenses over the next two years, meaning he will not have to pay the fine if he successfully passes this probationary period.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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