Owners contemplate selling Grasshoppers amid fan uproar over management issues

In a statement issued by the club, the consortium associated with the American owners of Los Angeles FC expressed their willingness to enter discussions regarding a sale, provided it guarantees the long-term financial and sporting viability of Grasshoppers.

“Fans have made it clear during recent protests that they want us to depart from the club,” the ownership group commented, further stating they are “open to exploring a partial or complete divestment” of the club.

The situation has escalated in recent weeks, with protests occurring during match days, and was exacerbated by a recent exit from the Swiss Cup in the semi-finals against Lausanne-Ouchy, a side from the second division.

The owners pointed out that the club’s operational expenses consistently surpass its income, indicating that Grasshoppers relies heavily on outside funding to maintain its place in professional football.

Grasshoppers wrapped up the first phase of the Swiss league in 11th position out of 12 teams and are currently engaged in the relegation round, which involves the weakest six clubs.

As the most accomplished club in Swiss football history with 27 national titles, Grasshoppers have not won the league since 2003 or the Swiss Cup since 2013. The club has also made numerous appearances in both the European Cup and the UEFA Cup.

In recent decades, the club has endured a turbulent period characterised by sporting and financial challenges, along with frequent changes in management and foreign investment aimed at restoring competitiveness. Notably, Grasshoppers were relegated to the second tier of Swiss football in 2019 but made their way back to the top division two years later.

The group associated with Los Angeles FC acquired a majority stake in 2024, integrating Grasshoppers into a co-ownership model that has been increasingly adopted across European football.