Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has received a two-year probation sentence after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Xhaka, 34, confirmed the development via a post on Instagram on Thursday, stating: “I accept the decision and take responsibility.”
The former Arsenal midfielder received a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) alongside court fees, which he has already paid.
Xhaka, who had previously apologised for his actions, noted that his decision stemmed from a “deep mistrust of the vaccine” and acknowledging he made a “mistake”.
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The midfielder sat out four recent Nations League fixtures to assist Lucerne public prosecutors with an ongoing investigation into a local doctor.
He is set to return to club duty for Sunderland against Brighton on Saturday, while the Swiss Football Association previously vowed to reassess his international status before November’s fixtures.
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