Tether, which is the second-largest shareholder of the Italian football club Juventus, is pursuing a position on the club's board. The company's investments and desire to participate in decision-making raise interest regarding traditional football management.
Tether's Investment in Juventus
Tether acquired stakes in Juventus worth approximately €128 million ($149 million) on February 14, 2025, marking a significant moment as it's the first time a major European football club has a crypto company as a top investor.
Juventus and Exor's Response to Tether's Offers
Exor, owned by the Agnelli family, has controlled the club for nearly 100 years and owns 65.4% of Juventus. Tether wants to purchase more shares and secure a board seat, but their requests have been ignored. Tether has been sending letters to arrange a meeting, which Juventus plans to hold after the Club World Cup in July 2025.
Future Collaboration Between Tether and Juventus
Tether, boasting $13 billion in profits and a $150 billion portfolio, sees itself as an essential investor after acquiring a 10.7% stake. However, they are discontented with Juventus and Exor's lack of inclusion in financial discussions. "We first want to understand how or if there is space for collaboration," said Tether's CEO Paolo Ardoino. He is also a lifelong Juventus fan and expresses a desire to use artificial intelligence and blockchain to modernize the club.
The situation between Tether and Juventus highlights the conflict between traditional football management and new, tech-focused investors. The outcomes of the upcoming meeting may determine if further collaboration between the parties is possible.
