Granit Xhaka, the captain of the Swiss national football team and currently playing for English club Sunderland, has admitted to using a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate in the past. He made the admission in a statement posted on his Instagram account, calling the act a "mistake" and expressing regret. Xhaka explained that he was troubled by a "deep mistrust of the vaccine" and was "plagued by fear and uncertainty" at the time, which led him to seek the certificate instead of addressing his concerns through proper means. He now acknowledges that this was the wrong decision and is cooperating fully with the authorities. As a result of this admission, Xhaka has stepped down from Switzerland's upcoming international matches, including four games in the Nations League against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia. The decision was made "by mutual agreement" between Xhaka and the Swiss Football Association (SFV) after a meeting. SFV president Peter Knäbel said the association appreciates Xhaka's willingness to take responsibility, but they decided it was best for the team to move forward without him during this international break. They will reconsider his involvement after the conclusion of the current international window. An investigation is currently being conducted by the Lucerne Cantonal Prosecutor's Office to determine whether Xhaka's actions could be considered criminal, such as the fraudulent acquisition of a false certificate or document forgery. A spokesperson for the office said their goal is to clarify whether any actions relevant under criminal law occurred. In Switzerland, potential penalties for document forgery could include fines or a prison sentence of up to five years, though it is considered extremely unlikely that Xhaka would face jail time. Xhaka obtained the certificate in 2022 while he was playing for Arsenal. He tested positive for Covid-19 in September 2022 and did not take part in Switzerland's international matches that month. The doctor who allegedly provided the certificate is under investigation, though the doctor has denied the allegations. Xhaka's admission comes at a time when forged Covid certificates have been under scrutiny in Switzerland, where such documents were needed for travel and access to certain venues until spring 2022. Sunderland manager Regis le Bris did not comment on the allegations after the club's recent defeat to Manchester City. Xhaka, who has earned 152 caps for Switzerland, led the team during their World Cup quarter-final appearance this summer.