Turin, Italy — Juventus, one of the most storied football clubs in Serie A history, has decisively turned down a €1 billion buyout proposal from Tether, a prominent cryptocurrency firm. The rejection secures the Agnelli family’s continued ownership of the team, a significant force in Italian football for generations.

John Elkann, CEO of Exor, which oversees the Agnelli family’s interests, made the announcement in a video message shared on the club’s official website. Expressing pride in Juventus’ legacy, he stated, “Our history and our values are non-negotiable.” He emphasized the club’s integral role in his family for over a century, underscoring the dedication of four generations to nurturing and celebrating the team.

Despite recent struggles in Serie A, including not winning the league title since 2020, Juventus remains committed to rebuilding and aiming for future successes, Elkann noted. The club recently appointed Luciano Spalletti as head coach, succeeding Igor Tudor, as part of its strategy to return to its winning ways.

The Agnelli family’s association with Juventus dates back to 1923, and their role in shaping the club has been extensive. Elkann hinted at ongoing investments and a focus on providing strong support to the management team, aimed at fostering both on-field achievements and long-term stability.

Juventus has faced challenges in recent years, including the resignation of former president Andrea Agnelli and the board amid investigations into false accounting. The club has subsequently navigated significant changes while striving to restore its competitive stature.

In contrast, many of Italy’s prominent football clubs, such as AC Milan and Inter Milan, are now under foreign ownership. Juventus, along with Napoli, remains a notable exception among Serie A’s elite teams, maintaining local control amidst a notable shift in ownership dynamics across the league.

Exor reinforced its commitment to Juventus through a statement declaring it has no intention to sell any shares to third parties, including Tether. The family’s longstanding dedication to the club, they asserted, continues to guide their decisions as they navigate Juventus’ future.

As Juventus looks ahead, all eyes will be on how the club can leverage its rich heritage and passionate support to reestablish itself at the pinnacle of Italian football, signaling a new era under Spalletti’s leadership.