Switzerland will be forced to participate in the next four Nations League matches without captain Granit Hakki, who admitted on Monday that he used a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic.
The 33-year-old midfielder stated on his social media on Monday that he presented a falsified document to avoid mandatory vaccination during the COVID crisis. He wrote on Instagram: 'At the time I was very worried about the issue of Covid-19 vaccination... I felt deep distrust towards the vaccine and anxiety and doubts overwhelmed me.'
He added: 'Today I clearly see that I made the wrong decision. It was a mistake. I am sorry,' noting that he is 'fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.'
According to Swiss media, this matter is currently being investigated by the Lucerne public prosecutor's office.
Meanwhile, the Swiss Football Association announced that it had reached an agreement with the player that he would not join the Swiss national team in Belek, Turkey, for a training camp starting on Monday.
In its statement, the association reported: 'Following his personal statement regarding vaccination status, Granit Hakki will not participate in the upcoming men's national team camp.'
Swiss FA President Peter Knabel stated in the same announcement: 'We welcome the fact that Granit is taking this step and is ready to fully clarify the situation.'
He continued: 'At the same time, we have mutually agreed that for the best interest of the team, this camp should take place without him.'
Knabel emphasized: 'Our priority now is to calm the situation and focus entirely on the team and the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.'
Switzerland will start its away campaign against North Macedonia on Saturday, and then travel to play Scotland on September 29. On October 3 and 6, the Swiss will host matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne. Knabel noted: 'At the end of this international window, we will re-evaluate the situation with Granit and discuss further steps.'
Subsequently, Switzerland will play against Slovenia on November 13 and against Scotland on November 16, also as part of the Nations League.