Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen will take a leave of absence until further notice, the organization announced Friday.
Hansen, who is being investigated by Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League for allegedly using racist language during his time as owner, will not operate RSL, the Utah Royals FC or the Real Monarchs during the leave.
“As an organization, our priority is our employees, our teams, our players, and our fans, and Mr. Hansen in particular cares deeply for each of these individuals who works so hard to make Utah Soccer the success that it is,” the organization said in a statement.
The organization said the existing soccer executive group at Utah Soccer will assume all management of the organization.
Hansen made comments to a radio station he owns Thursday morning expression disappointment that RSL and LAFC decided not to play their game Wednesday. The game was postponed, much like several other games in sports leagues across the country to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Hansen was admonished for his comments by fans, former and current RSL and Royals players, and others around not only MLS but other sports leagues.
An article in the Athletic later Thursday revealed allegations surrounding Hansen and his use of racist language in the years he’s owned the franchise. It was that article that sparked investigations by MLS and the NWSL, and calls for him to sell the team.
There are several suitors to buy RSL, including the Larry H. Miller group, which owns the Utah Jazz.
