Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles FC have offered to sell Grasshopper Club Zurich after angry fans demanded the American owners leave the club
- The 27-time Swiss champions have been stuck in 11th place since the Hollywood-backed consortium took control in January 2024
- Supporters rioted following a cup defeat to second-tier opposition and unfurled an expletive-laden banner at the weekend
Los Angeles Football Club have announced they are prepared to sell Grasshopper Club Zurich following intense pressure from the Swiss side’s supporters. The American consortium, which features entertainment executives Peter Guber and Mark Shapiro alongside sporting icons Magic Johnson, Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra and actor Will Ferrell, acquired a controlling interest in January 2024. However, the team has remained stuck in 11th position in the 12-club Swiss top flight throughout their tenure.
Tensions reached boiling point this month when furious fans rioted following a Swiss Cup semi-final defeat against second-tier opposition Stade Lausanne Ouchy. During Saturday’s league fixture, supporters displayed a banner containing strong language that demanded the immediate departure of the American investors.
In a bilingual statement published on the club’s official website, LAFC acknowledged the demonstrations. “Recent protests have explicitly called for us to leave,” the statement read. The group confirmed they are open to negotiations for either a complete or partial disposal of their shares, provided any deal guarantees the club’s future stability.
Grasshopper, who have claimed 27 league championships but none in the past 23 years, continue to face severe financial difficulties. LAFC explained that operating expenses consistently surpass income, forcing the club to rely on regular external funding to maintain its professional status. The team shares the municipal Letzigrund stadium with local rivals FC Zurich.
The ownership group emphasized they share the frustration of the fanbase and insisted they have poured significant resources into the club. They extended an invitation to meet with supporter representatives and even suggested they would consider winding down the professional operation entirely if that represents the genuine wish of the fanbase.
With only four matches remaining in the current campaign, Grasshopper appear destined for another 11th-place finish. This would trigger yet another relegation playoff against the team finishing second in the division below.