Sunderland star Granit Xhaka 'vindicated' over Covid jab decision

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka will likely feel "vindicated" over his decision not to take the Covid-19 vaccine in 2022.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the midfielder must be investigated, but also admitted his surprise at the situation.

The 33-year-old is under investigation from the Swiss prosecutors over allegations he obtained a forged vaccination certificate, which was required in Switzerland for travelling abroad.

Xhaka, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, posted a statement online on Monday, 21 September, admitting a "mistrust" towards the vaccine.

As a result of the situation, the Black Cats' star has been left out of Switzerland's squad for the current international break, and now faces new criticism.

Not everyone in the footballing stratosphere is blaming Xhaka, though, with Borson believing that his decision has been "vindicated".

'Granit Xhaka is fraudulent, I guess'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson, while he understands the upset, is not pushing for the player to be punished for his decisions.

"It seems amazing that we're still talking about things like that. But given where we are, I guess it's fraudulent. And so it needs to be found out," he said.

"We know the way the world works right now on this sort of stuff. So it depends on your personal view about the politics of this sort of stuff.

"With the benefit of hindsight, sports people that made the decision not to take it, I think in some ways, have been vindicated. They are entitled to take a different view from the rest of the populace.

"If you know that your whole job is about, effectively, the performance of your body as a sports person, I think that does make a difference.

"But not everybody would necessarily agree. Anyway, he has been found out, he has been prosecuted, and that's it."

Sunderland facing huge blow during international break

Xhaka's situation has not been overshadowed by an immense blow just days into the September international window.

Before the Premier League campaign was paused, Brian Brobbey netted an incredible hat-trick during the 5-3 thriller against Man City.

Multiple European giants have taken an interest in the 24-year-old striker, but any hope of securing a big-money move may be about to disappear.

Brobbey lasted just 35 minutes during the Netherlands' 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday, 24 September, before pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.