Atlanta United president announces departure after eight-year run

July 15th, 2022

After eight years leading the club, Atlanta United team president Darren Eales is heading back to England.

The two-time Major League Soccer executive of the year was named as the CEO of Newcastle United of the English Premier League on Friday.

Born and raised in England before moving to the U.S. on a college soccer scholarship, Eales joined Atlanta United in 2014, three years before the club played its first MLS match.

“It has been the adventure and honor of a lifetime to help build Atlanta United,” Eales said in a statement released by the club.

Under his leadership, the team has set numerous league attendance records and won the MLS Cup Championship in 2018.

Eales was also a key figure in helping Atlanta secure a spot as a host city for the 2026 World Cup.

The team says Eales will depart in August.

In a statement, Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank called Eales one of the best hires of his career.

“I’m thrilled for Darren to have this new opportunity to lead Newcastle and I see it as a very positive reflection of Atlanta United and what our club has achieved in such a short time,” Blank said.