Hansen, who has been the majority owner of RSL since acquiring the club in 2013, penned the note below to the club’s supporters:
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To the RSL Community –
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.
I believe that communities are strengthened by diversity. I am truly sorry for offending and being insensitive to the plight of others. I seek to do better and commit to supporting and improving diversity and inclusion in my own community going forward.
After deep consideration and soul-searching, my wife Julie and I agree that the best way forward for the Real Salt Lake family is to assume new ownership and a refreshed vision. We are fully invested in supporting the transition to new ownership and will work diligently to try to ensure that the Club stays within our community. We will support the organization and its employees in moving quickly so as to minimally disrupt this season and allow new ownership adequate time to plan for the 2021 season.
Real Salt Lake has our full support. We have been blessed with loving friendships that are expressed daily. These will be sorely missed. We love our community and our family and sincerely hope for the best outcomes for each. Know that our hearts will always bleed Claret and Cobalt.
Sincerely,
Dell Loy Hansen
The announcement comes on the heels of an investigation that was launched by Major League Soccer on August 27 following allegations of conduct and language in an article on The Athletic. Earlier on the same day, MLS Commissioner Don Garber released a statement strongly opposing comments by Hansen on a local radio show in relation to the postponement of the RSL-LAFC match following a protest by MLS players.
Hansen has since taken a leave of absence from the clubs he oversees as the head of Utah Soccer Holdings.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber issued the following statement on Sunday regarding Hansen’s plan to sell the club:
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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, the entity that owns Real Salt Lake (MLS), Utah Royals FC (NWSL) and the Monarchs (USL).
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.
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.