Granit Xhaka, Switzerland's captain and record appearance holder, is under investigation by Lucerne prosecutors over allegations that he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder issued a statement acknowledging he had "mistrust" towards the vaccine and obtained the certificate due to "worries and uncertainty", describing it as a mistake for which he takes full responsibility.

In 2022, Covid-19 certificates were required in Switzerland for access to various activities, venues and travel, although there was no general legal requirement to hold one. Xhaka has withdrawn from the Swiss national team for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia, with a decision on his international future to be made after the international window. The player has pledged to fully cooperate with authorities as they establish the facts of the case.