Major League Soccer to investigate Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen over alleged racist comments

Major League Soccer will conduct an investigation into allegations that Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen used racially charged language.

"We are deeply concerned about the allegations made in a report published this evening concerning language used by and the conduct of Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen," MLS said in a statement released Thursday night. "Major League Soccer has zero tolerance for this type of language or conduct and will immediately commence an investigation."

A story published by The Athletic on Thursday detailed allegations of a history of offensive comments made by Hansen to players, staff and associates. These revelations were published hours after Hansen appeared on radio station X96 in Salt Lake City and expressed "profound disappointment" in his team's decision to not play its game Wednesday night as sports teams across the country protested the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Earlier Thursday night, the MLS Players Association called on the league to suspend and investigate Hansen: "The allegations in tonight's Athletic story concerning RSL owner Dell Loy Hansen are sickening. The MLSPA calls upon MLS to immediately suspend Hansen and conduct a thorough investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, he must be forced to sell the team."

MORE:Jozy Altidore, Donovan Mitchell call for RSL owner to sell team

Real Salt Lake was among 10 teams to protest racial injustice and postpone games originally scheduled for Wednesday night. RSL was to host Los Angeles FC at Rio Tinto Stadium, and no makeup date for the game has been announced. Of the six games scheduled for Wednesday night, only Orlando City and Nashville SC played their game.

Hansen is also owner of the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals FC and USL's Real Monarchs. 

The NWSL released a statement saying it also will conduct an investigation of Hansen.

On Friday, Utah Soccer said Hansen will be taking a leave of absence "until further notice" as the investigations are conducted.