The captain of the Swiss national team, Granit Xhaca, has been fined 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately 161,000 euros, for using a fake certificate during the coronavirus pandemic. The sentence was handed down with a suspended sentence of two years.
Xhaca announced the details of the verdict on Thursday on Instagram. He stated that he was given a conditional fine of 50 daily rates of 3,000 francs each, with a two-year conditional period. According to him, the sentence will not be enforced if, during that period, he does not come into conflict with the law. He added that he received the penalty because he had illegally obtained a fake certificate.
Last month, Xhaca admitted to obtaining a certificate for coronavirus despite not being vaccinated. This confirmed the circumstances that led to the court's decision.
The Swiss Football Association stated to the news agency that it is aware of the decision. It noted that it can now proceed with the previously announced discussions on how to shape the future.
It remains unclear whether the ruling will have any sporting consequences. The association has not commented on the matter, while Xhaca remains in the position of captain.
