The Daily · Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Berg Takes the MLS Helm as European Football Stirs Back to Life
The headline act of Tuesday belonged to American football's domestic landscape. Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC, was named MLS Commissioner, bringing to an end Don Garber's remarkable 27-year tenure — a reign that took the league from a ten-club operation to a 30-team competition embedded across the continent. Berg inherits the role at a charged moment: the 2026 World Cup on home soil has just concluded, and the question of what MLS does with that momentum now falls to him.
Across the Atlantic, European football was waking up ahead of new seasons. The Premier League's 2026-27 campaign has already broken records before a ball has been kicked, with an unprecedented number of managerial changes logged this summer. Liverpool, meanwhile, find themselves among the clubs with work still to do, with squad gaps remaining three weeks out from their opener. Ajax brought in Marc-André ter Stegen on loan from Barcelona, a significant arrival for the Dutch club and a telling signal of where the German goalkeeper's stock currently sits.
Neymar left his future characteristically open, declining to rule out retirement when his Santos contract expires at year's end. And Aston Villa won a CAS appeal to register 17-year-old Brian Madjo after FIFA had blocked the move — a quiet but meaningful result for a club looking to build.
The record
Larry Berg Named MLS Commissioner, Replacing Don Garber After 27 Years
Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg has been appointed as the new MLS Commissioner, succeeding Don Garber. Garber departs after 27 years in charge, a tenure that saw the league grow from 10 clubs to 30 and expand its presence across the United States and Canada. Berg inherits a league transformed under Garber — tripled in size and firmly established across North America — at a critical moment ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Premier League 2026-27 Sets Record for Pre-Season Managerial Changes
The 2026-27 Premier League season has already set a record for managerial changes before a ball has been kicked. The volume of new managers appointed ahead of the campaign is unprecedented in the league's history.
Neymar Open to Retirement When Santos Contract Expires
Neymar has not ruled out retiring from football when his contract with Santos ends at the close of the year. The Brazilian forward has stopped short of confirming his plans, leaving his future beyond Santos unclear.
Ter Stegen Joins Ajax on Season-Long Loan from Barcelona
Ajax have completed the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan, with both clubs confirming the deal. The move sees the German international leave Barcelona temporarily after a difficult period at the Catalan club.
Aston Villa Win CAS Appeal to Register Teenager Brian Madjo
Aston Villa have won their Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal against FIFA's block on registering 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo. FIFA had prevented the registration on the grounds that Madjo, who joined Villa in January for £10 million, was a Luxembourg international — triggering regulations that restrict international transfers of players under 18.
Manchester United Admit Errors in Ticket Touting Investigation
Manchester United have acknowledged mistakes in how they carried out their ticket touting investigation, while maintaining that the investigation itself was justified. The club's admission raises questions about the conduct of the process, even as they stand by their reasons for launching it.
Liverpool Squad Depth Concerns Persist Ahead of Premier League Opener
Liverpool remain short in several positions with three weeks to go before their Premier League season begins, and have made little progress on further summer additions. The squad gaps are a concern heading into the new campaign.