Tether Targets Juventus Board as Croatia Unveils Fan Tokens
- Tether plans to propose its own board candidates for Juventus on November 7, 2025.
- Croatia launches a blockchain-based fan rewards system using Kadena’s VATRENI token.
- The moves reflect blockchain’s growing integration in sports loyalty and governance systems.
Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, is set to play a bigger role in European football. The crypto company plans to propose its own list of candidates for the Juventus Football Club board at the team’s annual shareholder meeting next month.
This move comes months after Tether increased its stake in Juventus to 10.7%, making it the club’s second-largest shareholder after Exor, the Agnelli family’s investment company. According to a statement shared with Reuters, Tether will submit its list of candidates at the meeting on November 7, 2025. The firm will also propose certain “governance changes,” although it has not yet provided specific details about the reforms it plans to suggest.
Tether Strengthens Role in Juventus Operations
Tether’s interest in Juventus began earlier this year when it purchased an 8.2% stake in February. By April, the crypto firm expanded its ownership to more than 10%, signaling a desire to influence the club’s direction.
In recent months, Tether has sought a more active role in Juventus’s internal affairs. The company has expressed interest in participating in the team’s €110 million capital increase, a plan the club’s board proposed in September to address financial losses.
Tether confirmed that it intends to contribute funds to the capital raise alongside Exor, which has already injected about €30 million. This participation would strengthen Tether’s voice within the club, potentially giving it greater influence over key business and management decisions.
Juventus investors are expected to vote on the board renewal and the proposed governance adjustments during the November 7 meeting. The outcome could mark the first time a cryptocurrency company gains direct representation in the leadership of a major European football team. If approved, Tether’s candidates would join the club board that oversees operations, financial management, and sporting strategy.
Related: Tether and Antalpha Launch $200M Gold-Backed Token Project
Croatian Introduces Blockchain Fan Rewards
In another example of crypto’s growing footprint in football, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has launched a blockchain-powered rewards system for fans. HNS has also incorporated digital rewards within its Official Store app through a partnership with Kadena.
The new system automatically gives users VATRENI tokens worth 1% of every purchase. The feature went live on October 7, 2025, making Croatia’s national team the first to reward fans directly in cryptocurrency. The app automatically creates a digital wallet for each user, removing the need for prior crypto experience. Fans can use their tokens to redeem team merchandise, limited-edition gear, and, in future updates, match tickets.
The VATRENI token previously ran on the Polygon network but has now migrated to Kadena for better scalability. As of October 8, its market cap stood near $4.9 million, with daily trading volumes around $18,000.
Both Tether’s board ambitions and Croatia’s tokenized rewards reflect how blockchain is reshaping football’s business model. Tether’s board proposal at Juventus signals a shift from sponsorship to governance, while Kadena’s fan program shows how crypto can enhance engagement.
