📌USDT stablecoin issuer Tether has officially emerged as the second-largest shareholder in Italian football giant Juventus, following only Exor NV—the holding company controlled by the Agnelli family.

This marks the first time a major European football club has listed a crypto company among its top investors. Tether disclosed its stake in February, which now stands at 10.7%, valued at approximately €128 million ($149 million), according to Bloomberg.

⚽ Juventus’ Legacy and Structure

Juventus, Italy’s most decorated football club, is currently preparing for its appearance in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Agnelli family has held a controlling interest in the club since 1923 through Exor, which owns around two-thirds of Juventus and also holds stakes in Stellantis, Ferrari, and Christian Louboutin.



🗣️ Tether Faces Communication Challenges

Despite the significant investment, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino revealed that communication with both Juventus and Exor has been "very, very limited." Multiple attempts by Tether to arrange a formal meeting have yet to result in a confirmed date.

Juventus has reportedly postponed discussions until after the end of the current season in early July. Exor has not publicly commented but is expected to engage on structural matters in due course.

“Our interest is in ensuring the long-term success of the club. We believe having a voice in decisions is part of fulfilling that responsibility,” said a Tether spokesperson.


Frustrations are rising within Tether leadership. Ardoino noted that he had to buy his own ticket to attend a match this season, despite being a major shareholder.



💸 Juventus’ Capital Needs & Tether’s Ambitions

Juventus, which went public in 2001, announced plans in March to raise up to €100 million to fund summer player transfers. Exor has committed €15 million upfront and will maintain its 65.4% stake.


Tether’s involvement, however, comes amid growing scrutiny. Some Juventus board members view the company’s structure as “opaque,” drawing parallels to the club’s own long-standing governance model.



⚠️ Regulatory Concerns Over USDT

Tether’s flagship stablecoin, USDT, was named in a 2023 United Nations report on illicit finance. The report estimated $19.3 billion in criminal transactions involving the token. U.S. officials also link it to sanctions evasion and conflict financing.


Tether maintains it works closely with law enforcement and claims to have assisted in freezing millions in suspicious assets.


Financially, Tether reported $13 billion in profit in 2024, supported by $115 billion in U.S. Treasury holdings. Its portfolio includes a 30% stake in media company Be Water and investments in sectors like social media, agriculture, and brain tech.



🧠 Tech Meets Tradition

Juventus continues to operate at a loss, with Bloomberg projecting an €18 million deficit in its next annual report. The club hasn’t won the Serie A title in five years.


Ardoino believes that Tether can bring innovation to Italian football:



“The Italian football ecosystem is still very rooted in tradition. But the rest of the world—Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG—they see sports more like global brands.” #CryptoClause