Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka has been fined after it emerged that he falsified a COVID-19 vaccine certificate despite not taking the jab.
Xhaka's actions came to light after Swiss authorities in Lucerne investigated a doctor for incorrectly issuing a series of COVID certificates during the pandemic.
Reacting to the verdict, Xhaka issued a statement via social media, saying: "A few weeks ago, I personally spoke out here and said that I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that.
"After I gave a full statement to the public prosecutor's office, the prosecutor's decision has now been made. I have been convicted by a summary penalty order for obtaining a false certification, receiving a suspended monetary penalty of 50 daily rates of CHF 3,000, with a two-year probation period.
"That means the penalty will not be enforced as long as I do not commit any further offences during this period. I have already paid the procedural costs. I accept the decision and take responsibility. Thank you for the many supportive messages over the past few weeks. They mean a lot to me."
Reacting, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris expressed delight that the situation has been resolved, with Xhaka set to captain Sunderland in Saturday's Premier League home game with Brighton.
"I have no comment on external topics, but what I have seen during the international break is him [Xhaka] training really well," said the Black Cats boss. "That has been really positive. He is in a good place, football wise, and for me that is the most important thing. As far as I know, that is the situation over."
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