Granit Xhaka announces Covid investigation outcome as he confirms punishment

Xhaka withdrew from the Switzerland squad during the international break, apologising for the incident after, what he said, was an error of judgement following concerns over the vaccine. The Black Cats captain was playing in the Premier League for Arsenal at the time and posted on social media in September that he had a "mistrust" towards the jab.

The midfielder says he has paid the court fees but will face no further action as things stand, accepting responsibility and the decision. The suspended fine is to the tune of £136,266.75 with a two-year probation period for the Swiss international.

In a post on Instagram, he said: "A few weeks ago, I personally spoke out here and said that I take responsibility for my decision.

“I stand by that. After I gave a full statement to the public prosecutor’s office, the prosecutor’s decision has now been made.

"I have been convicted by a summary penalty order for obtaining a false certification, receiving a suspended monetary penalty of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000, with a two-year probation period.

"That means the penalty will not be enforced as long as I do not commit any further offences during this period. I have already paid the procedural costs.

"I accept the decision and take responsibility. Thank you for the many supportive messages over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me.”

When the news emerged in September, Xhaka said: : "In this troubled state of mind I acquired a vaccine certificate, instead of clarifying my unanswered questions in the proper way.

"Today I see clearly, that this way was not correct. It was a mistake. I'm sorry.

"I take responsibility for this decision, will engage with the process of establishing the facts and fully co-operate with the relevant authorities."

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Follow the Chronicle’s Sunderland AFC page for more news and analysis

The Swiss office of public health confirmed that there was never a general legal requirement to have such a certificate, but it was needed for access to a variety of different activities, venues and travel, therefore if the person didn't possess one, they faced restrictions.

Measures were in place in Switzerland until the spring of 2022 but COVID certificates continued to be issued to allow members of the public to meet entry requirements when travelling abroad.

Switzerland's men's ice hockey coach, Patrick Fischer, was found guilty of using a fake COVID-19 certificate to work at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and was fined 38,000 Swiss francs (£34,523.57) by the criminal court.

Sunderland are back in Premier League action this weekend as they host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light. Regis le Bris' side will be looking to add to their one league win so far this term.