Xhaka’s Vaccine Scandal Could Cost Switzerland More Than Just Their Captain

Granit Xhaka has admitted he made a mistake. A big one. The Switzerland captain is now under criminal investigation by prosecutors in Lucerne after allegedly obtaining a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate back in 2022, and the fallout is already reshaping the Swiss national team picture ahead of a busy Nations League schedule.

The Admission and What It Actually Means

Xhaka didn't deny it. His statement on social media was a full acknowledgement, explaining that mistrust of the vaccine and outside pressure led him to take a shortcut. He called it a mistake, apologised, and said he'd cooperate fully with the authorities.

Credit where it's due for owning it publicly. But this is still a criminal investigation, and if the Fischer precedent tells us anything, the consequences can be severe. Patrick Fischer, the former Switzerland ice hockey coach, used a fake certificate to work at the 2022 Winter Olympics and ended up with a heavy fine, the sack from his national role, and a four-year ban from the sport. Xhaka's situation isn't identical, but the legal framework is the same.

The Swiss public prosecutor's office is now deciding whether criminal behaviour took place. That process could drag on for months, hanging over everything Xhaka does on the pitch.

Switzerland Lose Their Leader at the Worst Time

Xhaka has already withdrawn from the Swiss squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia. That's a significant blow, and not just in terms of quality.

With 152 caps, Xhaka is Switzerland's record appearance holder. He isn't just a player in this team, he's the organising force in midfield and the identity of the side. Switzerland have built their system around his ability to control the tempo and drive the team forward. Losing him, even temporarily, disrupts a structure that took years to settle.

Switzeland have away trips to North Macedonia and Scotland on 26 and 29 September, before returning home for two more fixtures in early October. Those games suddenly look a lot more complicated without their captain.

Scotland and North Macedonia Fixtures Now Shift in the Betting

From a betting perspective, this is where the story gets genuinely interesting. Switzerland without Xhaka are a different side, and the markets may not fully reflect that yet.

The Scotland away fixture on 29 September is worth watching closely. Scotland at home are always dangerous in Nations League football, and if Switzerland are still navigating this disruption, the hosts could carry more value than their odds suggest. A draw or a Scotland win at Hampden is not the stretch it might usually seem.

More broadly, in our view, any accumulator or Nations League outright that had Switzerland performing well in League A needs to be reassessed. We'd be reluctant to back Switzerland at face value across this window until there's clarity on who steps into Xhaka's role and how the squad responds to the distraction.

Teams dealing with off-pitch noise at international level rarely perform to their ceiling. The Switzerland Nations League betting odds and any match-by-match lines for their September and October fixtures deserve a second look.

Our Read on the Bigger Picture

Xhaka isn't finished. He's 33, still playing regularly for Sunderland, and Regis le Bris was diplomatic but firm in saying he's 'really good' when the football is the focus. The club have made it clear they're not commenting on off-pitch matters, which is the right call.

But the national team situation is more fragile. The Swiss Football Association said they'll discuss Xhaka's future with the squad after this international window, which tells us nothing is guaranteed right now. If the investigation deepens or the legal process becomes more public, that conversation could go in a difficult direction.

For now, Switzerland are a team missing their captain, their most capped player, and their midfield anchor in four crucial games. That's not a small thing. Back them at your peril until the dust settles.