Atlas FC has appointed former Argentina international Hernán Crespo as its new manager, the club confirmed this week. The move signals a broader push among crypto-linked football clubs to bring in global coaching talent as they look to build credibility on and off the pitch.
Crespo's appointment
Crespo, 51, takes over a side that's been part of the growing wave of football clubs with ties to blockchain and crypto projects. His previous stints include managing clubs in Argentina, Brazil, and a brief spell in the Middle East. Atlas didn't disclose the length of the contract, but the club said Crespo's experience in developing young players was a key factor.
Why crypto clubs are chasing big names
Crespo's hire fits a pattern. Several crypto-backed clubs have been recruiting well-known European or South American coaches to raise their profile. The thinking is straightforward: a recognizable name attracts fans, sponsors, and, crucially, investors from the crypto space. Atlas FC itself has been linked to fan-token initiatives and blockchain-based sponsorship deals, though the club hasn't provided recent updates on those projects.
The immediate task for Crespo is to steady the team after a mixed season. Pre-season training starts in two weeks. Off the pitch, the club's crypto partners are expected to launch a new fan engagement token ahead of the league campaign. Whether that token gains traction will depend on how the team performs under its new manager.
