Real Salt Lake owner forced to sell team after racism row
Dell Loy Hansen has been in the eye of the storm after the Athletic published an article about his repeated use of racist language to employees and others.
On Thursday the Athletic published a detailed article about how Real Salt Lake’s owner Dell Loy Hansen used racist language towards employees and others. After the article was published the MLS opened an investigation placing his ownership of the club in jeopardy. On Sunday MLS Commissioner Don Garber confirmed that Hansen will have to sell the team.
Hansen took a leave of absence on Friday when the investigation started after former employees decided to talk about racist remarks made by Hansen during his tenure as owner.
MLS with zero tolerance
“Major League Soccer has been informed that Real Salt Lake investor-operator Dell Loy Hansen has decided that he will begin a process to sell Utah Soccer Holdings,” Garber said in a statement. “MLS will work with Mr. Hansen, supports 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.
"I want to acknowledge Dell Loy Hansen’s significant efforts to build the sport of soccer in the state of Utah and for his commitment to Major League Soccer,” continued the statement released by the MLS.
Hansen is also the owner of the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League and the Real Monarchs and he has been informed he will be required to sell both teams after multiple reports were made accusing him of using the n-word several times among other racist remarks.