Utah Soccer Announces Leave Of Absence For RSL, Royals Owner Dell Loy Hansen During Investigation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Soccer announced that Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC, and Real Monarchs owner Dell Loy Hansen “will be taking a leave of absence from all RSL, URFC, and Monarchs operations” as MLS and NWSL commence their investigations into allegations against him.

Hansen’s leave of absence was announced on Friday, August 28,

Utah Soccer released the following statement in regards to the club owner:

“As MLS and NWSL commence their investigations, Utah Soccer will ensure full cooperation, including seeking to answer any questions the leagues may have about the statements made by Mr. Hansen regarding athlete boycotts and allegations in a resulting article. 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.

During the pendency of these investigations, and until further notice, Mr. Hansen will be taking a leave of absence from all RSL, URFC, and Monarchs operations. The existing Soccer Executive Group at Utah Soccer will assume all management of the organization.”

Utah Soccer Statement

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 29, 2020

Dell Loy Hansen’s comments on canceled RSL match

On Wednesday, August 26, Real Salt Lake’s home match against Los Angeles FC was canceled after players decided to not play in protest of Jacob Blake’s shooting on Sunday, August 23.

“In solidarity with the players from both teams, tonight’s match has been canceled,” the club posted on social media following the cancellation.

The day after RSL’s canceled match, club owner Dell Loy Hansen joined a local radio program to address the decision Real Salt Lake players to not play against LAFC.

“The disrespect is profound to me personally,” Hansen told X96 on Thursday, August 27.

A few hours later, Hansen joined another local radio program to apologize for his previous remarks.

Later on Thursday, MLS announced a investigation into Hansen’s conduct and allegations made against the RSL owner.

Real Salt Lake’s next match is against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 p.m. (MDT). It will broadcast via the KSL TV app, KSLSports.com, ESPN+, and 700 AM.