Real Salt Lake owner to sell team amid racism allegations
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber announced on Sunday that Dell Loy Hansen will "begin a process to sell" Utah Soccer Holdings following his controversial anti-protest comments.
Hansen, the owner of Real Salt Lake, the NWSL's Utah Royals FC, and the USL's Utah Monarchs, took a leave of absence Friday amid widespread criticism for remarks he made after MLS players walked out last Wednesday in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
"The disrespect was profound to me, personally," Hansen told local radio, adding "it's taken a lot of wind out of" his desire to invest in the club.
Those comments drew the ire of several MLS players, including Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore, who tweeted: "He needs to sell the team then. I'm involved in a group that's ready to purchase it. Time for change."
The MLS Players Association demanded that Hansen be suspended Thursday after The Athletic uncovered racist allegations against the RSL owner. The story sources Andy Williams, a Black former RSL head scout from 2011 until earlier this year, who claimed Hansen is a "f------ racist."
Williams also cited an incident where Hansen used the term "lynch" in the company of Kellyn Acosta - a Black midfielder who was with FC Dallas - and also used the N-word twice in conversation with RSL's equipment manager.
Hansen initially took a leave of absence after both MLS and NWSL launched investigations into the anti-protest comments and allegations of racist language.
"MLS will work with Mr. Hansen on supporting the sale efforts for the company and will work closely with the club’s executive staff to support the operations of the team during the transition period," commissioner Garber's statement added.
Hansen released a letter to RSL fans on Sunday, confirming the decision to sell Utah Soccer Holdings. "I recognize that at times I have spoken too quickly, without pausing to consider the feelings or good intentions of others. This is not acceptable and I assume full responsibility for allowing my words to travel unfiltered as to their significance and impact."