LAFC Offers to Sell Grasshopper After Fan Protests

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) announced on Tuesday that they are willing to sell their struggling Swiss club Grasshopper after fans expressed their discontent at a recent home game in Zurich. Grasshopper, a club with a prestigious history as the 27-time Swiss champion, has been performing poorly, currently sitting 11th in the 12-team league since LAFC acquired a majority stake in January 2024.

LAFC's ownership group boasts several high-profile names including entertainment figures Peter Guber, Mark Shapiro, Will Ferrell, Magic Johnson, Mia Hamm, and Nomar Garciaparra. The team has experienced turmoil, particularly after Grasshopper's loss in the semifinals of the Swiss Cup against the second-tier Stade Lausanne Ouchy earlier this month. Fans responded with a protest at the league match on Saturday, displaying a banner effectively calling for the American owners to sell the club.

In a statement available on the Grasshopper website, LAFC addressed the recent protests, saying, “Recent protests have called for us to leave the club. We wish to state clearly that we are open to discussions regarding a partial or full sale of the club, provided it secures the club’s long-term sustainability.”

Grasshopper and many other European soccer clubs have seen increased investment from American entities, replacing previous ownership from China. Unfortunately, the club has struggled without significant success since it last claimed a league title 23 years ago, nor has it won the Swiss Cup in 13 years. The financial challenges are notable, as LAFC stated, “the financial reality remains that Grasshopper’s running costs continue to exceed its current revenues, and the club depends on ongoing external support to compete in professional football.”

Grasshopper shares its home venue, the Letzigrund Stadium, with local rivals Zurich. LAFC expressed their understanding of the fans' frustrations, emphasizing their willingness to invest further and to meet with fan groups to discuss the future of the club. However, they cautioned that without continued investment, the club risks no longer existing as a professional soccer organization.

With just four rounds remaining in the league, Grasshopper appears set for another 11th-place finish, which could lead to a relegation playoff against the runner-up in the second tier. The ongoing situation highlights both the complexities of managing a soccer club and the passionate commitment of its fanbase.