At the IFA 2026 event held in Berlin, McMahon gave an exclusive interview with "Sport". In the first part of the interview, he shared his views on the evolution of football, Ancelotti, and Ronald Araújo. Related link: [McMahon: I don't think Arnold has adaptation issues. Yarmolenko is already a world-class superstar]

You are an ambassador for UEFA and FIFA. There's a lot of discussion about where sport should head. What do you think football should prioritize going forward?

I think there wasn't much wrong in the past. What we really need to do is communicate with everyone, listen to common views, and most importantly, ensure it benefits the fans. The fans are most important, and there shouldn't be so many changes. It seems like every year we get new rules, different new rules.

We're just making changes for the sake of change, and honestly, I don't like the way we're doing things now. I don't like the water break during the World Cup, and I don't like that the final's halftime was extended to 30 minutes. We're changing a lot every year.

This year we changed the corner kick rule, and next year we'll probably change the throw-in rule. I think we're making football increasingly complicated. Football was already great 40, 50, or even 20 years ago. We're just making changes for the sake of change. I don't think it's getting better.

Are you talking about VAR?

Like VAR—it disrupts the most exciting moments of celebration and changes the meaning of the game. It also creates more controversy. Considering the purpose it was originally introduced for, I think it's gone too far. You seem to agree, don't you? You watch a lot of matches, so I'd like to hear your thoughts too.

Why do you think football is such an important platform for brands?

Honestly, there's no need to explain. Billions of people around the world follow and love football. So I think it's perfectly reasonable that companies and brands want to be connected with football, especially the top teams.

It's very natural. Football itself speaks for everything. It's the most popular sport globally and the most-watched sport in the world. So if you want to reach many people, football is an excellent way to do it.

You're also an ambassador for Liverpool. What's your view on the team's prospects this season under manager Ancelotti?

I think it will be challenging. I like manager Ancelotti. I wish they'd signed a few more players. They lost many very important and experienced players like Salah, Konaté, Curtis Jones, and Andy Robertson.

We signed good players, but they're all very young and don't have much Premier League experience. So I hope the team can sign one more experienced player. Many English teams are in similar situations. I think Arsenal are title contenders, and other teams might have a tougher season.

Manchester City signed many players and changed managers, Chelsea signed many players and changed managers, and Liverpool changed managers alongside significant player movements, so this season could be a transitional one. Meanwhile, Arsenal look like a relatively stable team.

Speaking of which, one of Liverpool's new signings is Ronald Araújo. Do you think he can make an impact in the Premier League?

I really like him. I watch a lot of La Liga matches, and he's an excellent defender. I understand he had injuries before and took a break from football due to personal issues. But in terms of defensive ability, he's really strong.

Many Liverpool fans worry about the right-back position, but as you know, Ronald Araújo has played right-back several times before. I saw him play there when Koundé moved to center-back and Ronald Araújo took on the task of stopping Vinícius, and he did very well.

I really like this transfer. It's an important reinforcement for Liverpool. It's a loan for now, but an experienced player who has played at the highest level is coming. He can play center-back and right-back, he's fast, and he needs playing time. He's very competitive, and I really appreciate that.

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