Sit-in protest by the Lausanne players during the Cup final on 15 May 1967 between Lausanne and Basel.
Sit-in protest by the Lausanne players during the Cup final on 15 May 1967 between Lausanne and Basel. Wolfgang Lindroos / ETH Library Zurich / Comet Photo AG

Sit-in at the Cup Final

It’s all or nothing. The Swiss Football Cup has produced some incredible stories. A photographic look back at the eventful history of this competition.

Alexander Rechsteiner

Alexander Rechsteiner

Alexander Rechsteiner holds an M A in modern English literature and political science and is Head of Marketing & Communication at the National Museum Zurich.

The Swiss Football Cup has a long tradition. The trophy has been awarded regularly since 1925. The publication ‘Swiss Press Photography. A Glimpse into the Archives’, published by the Press Photo Archive Network, contains a photo essay on the Cup final. The images tell of cup heroes, jubilation and beaming fans, but also of disappointments, violence and bizarre incidents, such as the sit-in by the FC Lausanne players following a controversial penalty in the 1967 final.
In the cup final on 25 May 1942 between GC and Basel (3–2), the Grasshoppers’ goalkeeper punches the ball away from a charging Basel striker.
In the cup final on 25 May 1942 between GC and Basel (3–2), the Grasshoppers’ goalkeeper punches the ball away from a charging Basel striker. Walter Studer / Keystone / Photopress
The FC Basel team lines up for the Cup final between Lausanne and Basel (3–0) on 10 April 1944.
The FC Basel team lines up for the Cup final between Lausanne and Basel (3–0) on 10 April 1944. Swiss National Museum / ASL
Cheering children behind the goal during the cup final between Basel and Lausanne on 7 April 1947 (3–0).
Cheering children behind the goal during the cup final between Basel and Lausanne on 7 April 1947 (3–0). Swiss National Museum
A crowd cheering behind the goal during the cup final between Basel and Lausanne on 7 April 1947 (3–0).
A crowd cheering behind the goal during the cup final between Basel and Lausanne on 7 April 1947 (3–0). Swiss National Museum
FC Lucerne fans at the Cup final on 8 May 1960 between FC Lucerne and FC Grenchen (1–0).
FC Lucerne fans at the Cup final on 8 May 1960 between FC Lucerne and FC Grenchen (1–0). Bibliothèque de Genève / Interpresse
FC Sion being welcomed at Sion railway station following their cup victory on 19 April 1965 against Servette (2–1).
FC Sion being welcomed at Sion railway station following their cup victory on 19 April 1965 against Servette (2–1). Philipp Schmid / Médiathèque Valais – Martigny
Sit-in protest by the Lausanne players during the Cup final on 15 May 1967 between Lausanne and Basel.
Sit-in by the Lausanne players during the Cup final on 15 May 1967 between Lausanne and Basel. In the 88th minute, with the score at 1–1, the referee awarded Basel a controversial penalty. After the penalty was converted, the Lausanne players refused to resume play and demonstratively sat down on the pitch. The referee was forced to abandon the match and Basel won 3–0 due to forfait. Wolfgang Lindroos / ETH Library Zurich / Comet Photo AG
The players at the start of the cup final on 18 May 1970 between FC Zurich and FC Basel (4–1).
The players at the start of the cup final on 18 May 1970 between FC Zurich and FC Basel (4–1). Hans Krebs / ETH-Bibliothek Zürich / Comet Photo AG
FC Servette-Geneva players celebrate their cup victory after the match between Servette and Lugano (2–0) on 12 April 1971.
FC Servette-Geneva players celebrate their cup victory after the match between Servette and Lugano (2–0) on 12 April 1971. Bibliothèque de Genève / Interpresse
The Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, venue for most cup finals, seen from the air on 23 April 1973 during the final between Zurich and Basel (2–0).
The Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, venue for most cup finals, seen from the air on 23 April 1973 during the final between Zurich and Basel (2–0). ETH Library Zurich / Comet Photo AG
Cup final between FC Zurich and FC Basel (2–0) on 23 April 1973. FCZ captain Köbi Kuhn (left) hoists the trophy aloft, whilst FCB captain Karl Odermatt (right) applauds.
Cup final between FC Zurich and FC Basel (2–0) on 23 April 1973. FCZ captain Köbi Kuhn (left) hoists the trophy, whilst FCB captain Karl Odermatt (right) applauds. Keystone / STR
Zurich’s Max Heer prevails against Basel captain Karl Odermatt (right) and Basel defender Walter Mundschin (left) in the cup final on 23 April 1973. FC Zurich beat FC Basel 2–0.
Zurich’s Max Heer prevails against Basel captain Karl Odermatt (right) and Basel defender Walter Mundschin (left) in the cup final on 23 April 1973. FC Zurich beat FC Basel 2–0. Keystone / STR / Photopress Archive
Spectators at the Cup final between Xamax and Sion on 15 April 1974 (2–3) throw bottles at the Wankdorf Stadium.
Spectators at the Cup final between Xamax and Sion on 15 April 1974 (2–3) throw bottles at the Wankdorf Stadium. Staatsarchiv Aargau / Ringier Bildarchiv
Fans of FC Servette Geneva at the Cup final between YB and Servette (1–1) on 4 June 1979. The match ends in a draw after extra time. The penalty shoot-out as a tie-breaker was not introduced until 1984. A replay (3–2) ultimately decides the Cup in Servette’s favour.
Fans of FC Servette Geneva at the Cup final between YB and Servette (1–1) on 4 June 1979. The match ends in a draw after extra time. The penalty shoot-out as a tie-breaker was not introduced until 1984. A replay (3–2) ultimately decides the Cup in Servette’s favour. Staatsarchiv Aargau / Ringier Bildarchiv
Group photo of the celebrating Grasshoppers after their 2–0 cup final victory over FC Schaffhausen on 23 May 1988.
Group photo of the celebrating Grasshoppers after their 2–0 cup final victory over FC Schaffhausen on 23 May 1988. Beat Marti / Tages-Anzeiger / Zentralbibliothek Zürich

Published on: 25.05.2017

Modified on: 17.04.2026

URL: https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2017/05/sit-in-at-the-cup-final/

More of: 20th / 21st centurySportsFootballPhotography

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