The Swiss Football Association (SFV) said the decision was taken jointly with the player following a public statement in which Xhaka accepted responsibility.
The 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder, who was at Arsenal at the time of the incident in 2022, wrote on social media that he had felt deep distrust of the vaccine and acted out of fear and uncertainty.
“In this agitated emotional state, I acquired a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the intended path,” Xhaka said. “Today I see clearly that this path was not right. It was a mistake. I am sorry.”
He added that he was cooperating fully with the authorities.
Public prosecutors in Lucerne have opened an inquiry to determine whether any criminal offence occurred in connection with the alleged fraudulent obtaining of a false certificate or document forgery. Xhaka is expected to be questioned in the coming days.
SFV president Peter Knaebel said Xhaka informed the association on Sunday evening and indicated he would speak publicly.
“We welcome Granit taking this step. At the same time, we came to the joint conclusion that it is in the best interest of the team to complete this gathering without him,” Knaebel said.
Switzerland assembled in Belek, Turkey, on Monday to prepare for UEFA Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Scotland, followed by home matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia. Xhaka will miss all four games.
The SFV said it would reassess the situation after the international window.
Xhaka made his international debut in 2011 and is Switzerland’s all-time record appearance holder with 152 caps. He captained the side at the 2026 World Cup. A spokesperson has said the player later received genuine vaccinations in January and November 2022 after testing positive for Covid while on international duty.
The case has placed one of Switzerland’s most senior football figures at the centre of a legal and sporting controversy that will now run through the current Nations League window and beyond.