Zurich, July 24: Swiss top division club Zurich must pay a 20,000 Swiss francs ($21,300) fine after players wore shirts with a slogan promoting a political campaign for a new stadium.
Zurich says in a statement it accepted the Swiss League sanction because the club did not seek permission for the gesture.
The phrase “Yes to the Stadium” in German appeared instead of a sponsor logo when Zurich beat Thun 3-2 in a season-opening match on July 14.
Canton (state) residents will vote Sept. 22 on approving funding for a new stadium to be shared by Zurich and city rival Grasshoppers.
The project on the site of Grasshoppers' former Hardturm home was promised for the 2008 European Championship but stalled over legal disputes.
Both clubs currently play at the Letzigrund athletics stadium.
