Tether to Propose Candidates for Juventus FC Board

Earlier this year, Tether quietly amassed around a 10 percent stake in Juventus, making it the club’s second-largest shareholder after the Agnelli family’s Exor NV, which controls roughly 65 percent of shares. This equity position grants Tether the legal rights accorded to a significant shareholder, including participation in board elections and corporate proposals, as reported by Reuters. By exercising those rights, Tether now intends to advocate for governance reforms at Juventus, though it has not publicly detailed specific changes it will propose.

The firm has also pledged to participate in a capital increase of up to €110 million, a plan already under discussion by the club’s leadership. As Exor has likewise committed nearly €30 million toward that capital raise, Tether’s proposed contributions would give it further financial and perhaps moral leverage. Juventus’ board renewal will take place during the shareholders’ meeting on November 7, 2025, where investors will cast votes on board memberships and related governance proposals.

This development raises important questions about the role of non-traditional investors in major sports institutions. It is unusual for a crypto firm to seek board seats in a storied football club, especially one with complex financial, regulatory, and brand considerations. One possible aim is to insist on more transparency, accountability, or oversight, principles often lauded in blockchain and crypto governance discourse.

Another is to influence the direction of growth, digital monetization, or even tokenization strategies linked to fan engagement, NFTs, or blockchain-based assets affiliated with the club. For Juventus, which has been loss-making in recent periods, new capital and strategic ideas might be welcomed, but any board seat from a new stakeholder is likely to be met with scrutiny by legacy investors and regulators alike.

Skeptics may view this as an attempt by a crypto entity to gain soft power in a high-profile sporting institution, effectively merging brand influence with financial claims. There is a risk of conflicts of interest, especially if Tether’s board nominees push for initiatives that serve crypto-linked interests such as fan tokens, exchanges, or digital assets at the expense of athletic or club stability.

Moreover, the regulatory environment for crypto firms remains unsettled in many jurisdictions, including in Europe. Any such board role may draw regulatory review or public criticism if decision-making appears biased toward crypto ventures. Also notable is that despite its stake, Tether has not disclosed precisely which individuals it will propose, or what governance changes it intends. That lack of clarity invites speculation.

Tether’s move might be a harbinger for future interactions between crypto firms and traditional industries. If successful, it could encourage other blockchain or token companies to seek deep integration with legacy brands, particularly in sports, entertainment, or consumer goods. The boundaries between fandom, investment, and corporate say are increasingly blurring.

For Juventus, accommodating such influence must balance the desire for new capital with preserving sporting integrity, brand identity, and fidelity to fans and regulators. It also places a spotlight on accountability and governance standards in hybrid industries that combine finance, technology, and public reputation. Observers will be keen to see exactly how Tether’s nominees fare in the vote, and whether they back the capital increase or more aggressive digital asset strategies.

Much now depends on how the coming weeks unfold. The identity and credentials of Tether’s nominees will be crucial in assessing the seriousness of its intentions. The content of its governance proposals, whether focused on oversight, audit, or digital strategy, will determine whether its campaign is seen as responsible or self-serving.

The reaction of Exor and other shareholders will show how far traditional power centers are willing to accommodate crypto influence. The timing of the capital increase could also serve as a pressure point, given that Tether’s promised funds may be leveraged to secure support. Finally, regulatory reactions in Italy and at the European level will decide how freely crypto entities can participate in high-profile corporate governance going forward.

Whatever the outcome of the November 7 meeting, Tether’s bid marks a new stage in the convergence between digital-asset finance and traditional corporate control. The episode underscores how crypto companies, once outsiders in global finance, are now seeking positions of direct influence, not just in markets or payments, but in the boardrooms of Europe’s most established institutions.