15th December 2025
December 15 – Serie A giants, Juventus, have rejected a reported €1 billion takeover approach from cryptocurrency firm Tether and reaffirmed that control of Italy’s most successful club will remain with the Agnelli family.
“Juventus, our history and our values are not for sale,” said John Elkann, CEO of Exor, the Agnelli family’s holding company, in a message published by the club.
“Juve has been part of my family for 102 years… four generations have emboldened it, made it strong, taken care of it in tough times, and celebrated it in the many festive moments.” Elkann added that the family remains focused on “building a winning Juve.”
Crypto’s presence in football is no longer new. Sponsorships, sleeve deals, fan tokens, and minor equity stakes have become familiar across Europe and beyond. For many clubs, especially those outside the financial elite, crypto money has offered short-term liquidity and global visibility. But a full takeover of a major institution like Juventus would represent a different moment entirely, with reverberations far beyond Turin.
That is the line Juventus appears unwilling to cross. Exor reiterated it has “no intention of selling any of its shares in Juventus to a third party, including but not restricted to El Salvador-based Tether,” stressing the family’s century-long stewardship of the club.
On the pitch, stability is badly needed with Juve going through a lean streak, not having won the Scudetto since 2020. New coach Luciano Spalletti was brought in last month after a difficult start to the season. The new coach welcomed the owners’ stance.
“It’s a pleasure once again to feel the strength and passion of John Elkann and his family for this club,” Spalletti said. “It’s clear that it’s up to us to give substance in exchange for this passion.”
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