SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has announced the acquisition of their new interim president John Kimball. The news comes days after the announcement that owner Dell Loy Hansen will attempt to sell the team following allegations that are currently being investigated by the league.

Kimball will report directly to the league office in New York and will not have any line of communication with current owner Dell Loy Hansen.

“John Kimball is an experienced sports executive who brings extraordinary leadership and stability to the organization,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “John was instrumental in the launch of Real Salt Lake and has a deep connection to the local soccer community. We thank the Miller Family and Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment CEO Steve Starks for their support during this important transition period.”

BREAKING: Announcement of @realsaltlake's interim president from @MLS. pic.twitter.com/wWruBdlQkW

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 2, 2020

Previously, Kimball acted as the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and the Managing Director for the annual Tour of Utah road biking event for the Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment group.

It will not be the first time that Kimball has played a role within the Real Salt Lake organization. In 2003, as Real Salt Lake was preparing for its 2005 inaugural MLS season, Kimball was announced as the Vice President of Business Operations. He remained in the role for 10 years before transitioning to Real Salt Lake’s marketing company Real Media SLC.

When Hansen sells the team, it will be up to the minds of the new leadership to decide if Kimball stays. Hence, the reason why he currently has the interim tag positioned next to his title.