Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether Investments, a global cryptocurrency giant and now a minority shareholder in Juventus, gave an exclusive interview to Corriere di Torino (via Ilbianconero).
Entry into Juventus
“This has been a process ongoing for some months, during which we acquired shares in the market. We are still small investors. We would like to assist the current management and, if necessary, consider acquiring a larger stake.
However, there is no Machiavellian plan behind this. Have we had contact with John Elkann and Exor? Yes, there have been exchanges with the management and ownership for strategic evaluation.”
Why Juventus?
“There are several factors behind this decision, starting with our passion for the club: both Giancarlo Devasini and I are Juventus fans. We are not a speculative fund. We believe the team has incredible potential.
After all, Juventus is one of the most important clubs in the world, and we felt it was our duty to support an Italian opportunity.”
Next Steps
“We are often associated with cryptocurrencies, but we do much more. We are expanding into new technologies, including a blockchain-based payment system similar to PayPal.
Additionally, we have acquired a company developing AI and others working in biotech. AI and biotech will become increasingly important in football, and Juventus has a formidable global fan base—it is one of the most recognized brands.”
Potential Sponsorship?
“Juventus is too important, and we are stepping in carefully because the fanbase needs to get used to our presence. Could we become a sponsor? I don’t rule it out, but at the moment, I am not aware of any sponsorship contract negotiations.
However, we are not doing this for publicity. Last year, we closed with $13.7 billion in profits. We have the financial capacity to support the team for the next 2,000 years.”
The Zebra Video Clip
“It represents a resurgence going from being chased to being the chaser. Juventus must return to where it belongs. That’s why I wrote ‘Make Juve Great Again.’ I was surprised by messages from young fans who said it was the first time they saw a shareholder engaging with them on X (Twitter).
The world moves incredibly fast, and I hope they are excited because they understand the potential. We want to create something new by investing in an excellence like Juventus.
Our company has incredible projections; we are the most profitable company per employee, extremely efficient, thanks to technological advancements replacing traditional financial systems.”
A Revolution in Football?
“Change always brings fear, in every field. Consider horse breeding—no matter how old or traditional an industry is, it must now contend with technological progress.”
The Role of Big Data
“The instinct of a football executive will always be important, but the ability to collect vast amounts of data will enhance decision-making. No one can know everything.”
Thoughts on Thiago Motta
“He strikes me as an extremely capable individual. Like everyone, he can improve, but he is a coach with incredible potential.”
Juventus Passion
“People often call us ‘Gobbi,’ but I am just a simple Juventus fan. My last time at the stadium? The 4-4 draw against Inter at San Siro one of the most thrilling matches I’ve ever seen. It was an emotional rollercoaster, a game full of tension. And it’s even more beautiful when you have to fight for it. My favorite player? Alessandro Del Piero.”
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