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Why did the Chinese want to get rid of the GC?
There was talk of titles and a minimum of 50 million francs that had to be invested. This amount was actually achieved together with the purchase price and shortfall coverage. However, from a sporting point of view, there has been a standstill since the promotion in 2021. When ex-president Sky Sun resigned a year ago and Fosun representative Bill Pan exposed Sun’s mismanagement, it was clear to the Chinese: instead of continuing to burn double-digit millions annually, GC should be sold again.
Why is the transfer of ownership taking place now?
It was now or never! In addition to the books, the new owners have also carefully analyzed the team and want to make corrections for the second half of the season. According to information from Blick, joining after the transfer window would not have been an option. And would have meant the end of the talks with Los Angeles.
Since when did the negotiations take place?
About thirteen months ago, the Americans first approached the Chinese about taking over GC. After that, there was no further progress for a long time because price expectations were too far apart. The breakthrough only came shortly before Christmas 2023. Probably also because the Americans gave the Chinese the signal: either you agree with our ideas – or we withdraw! According to Blick-Infos, Bayern Munich also played a major role in the deal by convincing those responsible at partner club Los Angeles to buy GC.
How much do the Americans pay the Chinese?
The previous owners quickly had to put aside their desire to get back the 50 million invested. The exact purchase price is not known. However, it can be assumed that the Chinese should be happy that someone is taking over their very loss-making company.
Have Swiss investors also tried for GC?
Rumors continued to circulate about a Swiss solution. This also happened shortly after New Year’s Eve. None of this was ever serious, though.
How are the GC shares now distributed?
The Chinese took over 90 percent of the shares from Stephan Anliker and Peter Stüber in 2020. And have since bought another 6.5 percent from small shareholders. The Americans now take over 96.5 percent of the shares. The remaining 3.5 percent is owned by the GC Fussball Foundation. According to a triangular agreement between the owners, Grasshopper Fussball AG and the foundation, the club has several rights: The owners are not allowed to change the club colors or the logo of the Hoppers. And if the Americans want to sell again at some point, the foundation has a right of first refusal.
Will GC now become Bayern Munich’s farm team?
In March 2023, Los Angeles FC and Bayern Munich founded the joint venture ‘Red & Gold Football’ and bought Uruguayan top club Racing Montevideo last December. Other clubs will follow. However, Bavaria is not involved in the purchase of GC – legally, the Hoppers are only acquired by Los Angeles. It couldn’t have been otherwise because according to UEFA regulations, two teams from the same composition are not allowed to participate in the European Cup at the same time. In practice, however, there will be similarities between Bayern and GC: Bayern talents could find their way to Zurich. And if the jump to the Bundesliga is too big for a talent from Uruguay, he could be temporarily parked in the rankings.
Is it now mixed with a large ladle?
Anyone who thinks that GC will now attract many prominent and expensive stars to join them, that won’t happen. But just like FC Lugano, thanks to the millions from Chicago, GC can compete for promising talent from home and abroad in the future. And in addition to the financial aspect, you can also score points with the connection with Bavaria or the possibility of moving from the rankings to the American MLS.
Will President Stacy Johns move to Switzerland?
No. Johns is Chief Financial Officer at Los Angeles FC and is needed there. The Americans want to install operational management staff in Zurich who are familiar with the economy and football in Europe and Switzerland. Fredy Bickel is discussed as the new CEO.
Should sports director Bernt Haas leave?
Los Angeles FC recently appointed German Harald Gärtner as head of its football operations in Europe. He will lead GC’s transfer activities in the coming weeks. Current sports director Bernt Haas will probably leave the rankings sooner or later and have to make way for a successor.
|
team
|
SP
|
T.D
|
PT
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 BSC Young Boys
|
18
|
23
|
38
|
|
|
2
|
 FC St. Gallen
|
18
|
12
|
33
|
|
|
3
|
 FC Zurich
|
18
|
14
|
31
|
|
|
4
|
 Napkin FC
|
18
|
8th
|
31
|
|
|
5
|
 FC Lugano
|
18
|
2
|
26
|
|
|
6
|
 FC Lucerne
|
18
|
-5
|
25
|
|
|
7
|
 FC Winterthur
|
18
|
-7
|
22
|
|
|
8th
|
 Grasshopper Club Zurich
|
18
|
1
|
21
|
|
|
9
|
 Yverdon Sports FC
|
18
|
-14
|
21
|
|
|
10
|
 FC Lausanne Sport
|
18
|
-5
|
20
|
|
|
11
|
 FC Basel
|
18
|
-10
|
18
|
|
|
12
|
 FC Stade Lausanne Ouchy
|
18
|
-19
|
11
|
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
