TLDR
- Tether invested 10.7% in Juventus earlier this year and seeks board control.
- Tether nominates Zachary Lyons and Francesco Garino to Juventus’ board.
- Tether pushes for better governance and minority representation at Juventus.
- Juventus faces leadership changes after a financial fraud scandal in 2022.
Tether, the issuer behind the stablecoin USDT, is looking to expand its presence in the world of football by nominating two executives to join the board of directors at Juventus FC. This move follows Tether’s previous investments in the Italian football club earlier this year. With these nominations, Tether aims to increase its influence in the sports industry and improve corporate governance at Juventus.
Tether’s Strategic Investment in Juventus
In February and April, Tether invested a 10.7% stake in Juventus, signaling a growing interest in the football industry. Since making the investment, Tether has been engaging with fans to understand their concerns and suggestions about the club’s management. The stablecoin issuer has emphasized the need for better governance and a stronger representation of minority voices on the board.
Tether’s announcement of its nominees, Zachary Lyons, the company’s deputy chief investment officer, and Francesco Garino, a medical doctor and Juventus supporter, comes after speculation about the company’s plans for the board. These nominations will be voted on at the Juventus shareholder meeting scheduled for November 7. Tether aims to influence the future direction of the club through these changes.
Focus on Corporate Governance and Transparency
Tether’s push for better corporate governance at Juventus comes after a period of instability within the club’s leadership. In November 2022, Juventus’ entire board resigned following allegations of financial fraud related to players’ salaries. Additionally, some of the club’s executives, including former chairman Andrea Agnelli, faced legal consequences, leading to the recent changes in leadership.
Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving corporate practices. In a statement, he said that the nominations aim to bring “best-in-class corporate governance” to the club. By nominating professionals with diverse backgrounds, Tether seeks to strengthen Juventus’ management and ensure better decision-making processes moving forward.
Tether’s Expanding Influence Beyond Football
While Tether’s primary focus is on stablecoins, the company has been diversifying its investments in other industries. In addition to Juventus, Tether has invested $775 million in the video-sharing platform Rumble. Furthermore, Tether has shown interest in artificial intelligence, proposing a joint acquisition of Northern Data, a company specializing in AI infrastructure.
These investments are part of Tether’s broader strategy to establish a significant footprint beyond the cryptocurrency market. Despite being primarily known for its stablecoin, Tether has expanded its reach into traditional industries such as sports and technology, showing an increasing interest in influencing various sectors.
The Road Ahead for Juventus and Tether
The upcoming shareholder meeting at Juventus will be a critical moment for both the club and Tether. If Tether’s nominations are approved, it could mark a significant shift in the club’s governance structure. With Tether’s involvement, Juventus may experience new leadership dynamics that aim to restore the club’s reputation after recent scandals.
As the votes approach, all eyes will be on how the nominations impact the future of Juventus and whether Tether’s involvement will contribute to a new era of growth and stability for the iconic football club. Tether’s continued investment and engagement suggest that its influence over Juventus may increase in the coming months, especially as the company pushes for reforms and enhanced corporate practices.