House of Doge, the corporate arm of the Dogecoin Foundation, has made a surprising move into the world of European football by acquiring a majority stake in U.S. Triestina Calcio 1918, an Italian soccer club currently languishing at the bottom of Serie C. The acquisition, executed in partnership with Brag House Holdings, marks the first time a cryptocurrency commercialization vehicle has been directly integrated into the ownership structure of a European football club.
U.S. Triestina Calcio 1918, a club with a rich history dating back to 1918, currently sits in last place in Serie C, Italy's third-highest division of professional soccer. Adding to their woes, the team was recently handed an administrative penalty that deducted 13 points from their standings. Despite these challenges, House of Doge sees great potential in the club and the opportunity to connect the Dogecoin community with the world of football.
Marco Margiotta, CEO of House of Doge, emphasized that the investment is about more than just football. "It's about connecting Dogecoin's global community with one of Europe's most storied clubs and proving that digital assets can drive real-world value, culture, and passion," Margiotta stated. He envisions this as the first step in bringing the "spirit of Dogecoin" into the fabric of the world's game.
House of Doge plans to support Triestina with immediate capital investment to strengthen football operations and community initiatives. The aim is to improve the club's performance on the field and foster stronger connections with the local community. While the exact amount of the investment has not been disclosed, the focus is on revitalizing the club and integrating cryptocurrency in practical, fan-friendly ways.
One of the key objectives is to integrate Dogecoin into the club's day-to-day operations, including using the cryptocurrency for ticket purchases, concessions, and merchandise. This move aims to enhance the match-day experience for fans and provide further utility for Dogecoin. By enabling crypto payments, House of Doge hopes to modernize the club's payment structure and support its financial resilience.
The acquisition has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a groundbreaking move that could revolutionize the way sports teams are owned and operated. Others are skeptical, questioning whether a cryptocurrency-backed venture can truly turn around a struggling football club. Despite the uncertainty, House of Doge remains optimistic about the future of U.S. Triestina Calcio 1918 and the potential for cryptocurrency to play a positive role in the world of sports.
This move aligns with a broader trend of cryptocurrency firms seeking tangible footholds in regulated sectors. By entering sports, gaming, and entertainment, companies like House of Doge aim to balance volatility with stable operations, converting on-chain communities into off-chain assets that generate revenue. Other examples of crypto involvement in sports include Tether's increased stake in Juventus F.C. and Bitpanda's partnerships with Arsenal F.C. and Paris Saint-Germain F.C..
As House of Doge embarks on this ambitious endeavor, the world will be watching to see if their bet on the Italian soccer underdog pays off, both for the club and for the broader adoption of Dogecoin.
