Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) today announced the strategic realignment of its international development network, transferring its majority stake in Swiss side Grasshopper Club Zurich to Bridge Football Group Switzerland AG. Moving forward, LAFC will consolidate its European strategy to focus exclusively on its long-term successful partnership with Austrian club FC Wacker Innsbruck.
LAFC extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the employees and staff of Grasshopper Club Zurich, and offers its best wishes to Grasshopper Club Zurich and the club's supporters as they begin a new chapter in the Swiss Super League.
“Building a sustainable global football network requires constant evaluation and deliberate focus,” said John Thorrington, LAFC Co-President and General Manager. “As we looked at the future of LAFC’s international footprint, it became clear that consolidating our resources and fully dedicating our European efforts to FC Wacker Innsbruck is the right path forward.”
This realignment allows LAFC to dedicate its international resources, and player development expertise to the Austrian side. Since LAFC’s initial investment was approved by Wacker Innsbruck and its members in April 2023, the club has experienced a remarkable transformation both on and off the pitch.
With one of the richest traditions in Austrian football, FC Wacker Innsbruck has achieved three consecutive promotions, climbing back up to Austria’s second division. “We are incredibly proud of the progress being made in Austria,” Thorrington added. “The synergy between LAFC and Wacker Innsbruck, combined with the passion of their legendary supporters, has created a strong foundation for long-term success. We are just getting started and look forward to the season ahead.”
The ongoing partnership between LAFC and FC Wacker Innsbruck will continue to emphasize the club’s long-term sporting and commercial development by leveraging shared scouting networks, commercial cooperation and direct player development pathways ensuring both organizations remain at the forefront of modern football operations.
