Grasshoppers To Leave Zurich After 125 Years

ZURICH (AP) - The Swiss club Grasshoppers says it must leave Zurich after 125 years because talks with authorities over rent and operating costs have broken down.

The 27-time champions are exploring stadium-sharing options next season with clubs in Aarau and Emmen.

Club officials say the city has refused to reduce annual rent at Letzigrund stadium of 870,000 Swiss francs ($900,000) and a 500,000 Swiss francs ($515,000) bill for game-day policing.

Grasshoppers have shared Letzigrund with rival FC Zurich since the venue was renovated to host games during the 2008 European Championship.

It was promised a stadium to replace its former Hardturm home but the project stalled over legal and planning disputes.

Grasshoppers last won the league in 2003.