The injury-time suspension of Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, for a fine, is the next milestone in the legal saga surrounding his alleged fraud in securing a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The midfielder will receive a suspended financial fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, which does not come into effect if he does not repeat offences for two years.
Xhaka, 34, revealed the result on Instagram on Thursday, and said that it was a sentence of 50 daily penalties of 3,000 Swiss francs. He also stated he already had to pay the court fees that go with the case. The decision comes after he had publicly declared his responsibility for his acts. In a statement in the German language, the midfielder restated that he took the decision and would not try to “evade responsibility”.
I personally addressed this here a few weeks ago and stated that I would be held accountable for my decision.” I am there with him, Xhaka wrote.
He said the sentence had been handed down in a summary judgment. The suspended fine will be in effect for two years, but will not be enforced as long as he does not commit any other offense during that time.
The case brings a legal twist to one of Switzerland’s most famous footballers’ careers. Xhaka has led the national team and has accumulated a wealth of experience at the highest level of European football with his leadership, midfield presence and experience.
The public recognition of the ruling implies the responsibility and the accountability is at the heart of the story; the player explicitly says he receives the ruling of the court. An important difference with the suspended penalty is that the 150,000-franc amount of the penalty shall not be paid as a fine unless the conditions of the sentence are violated. He says the court fees, however, have been settled.
