Report: Utah Royals coach Craig Harrington on administrative leave

Lucas Muller | RSL Soapbox

Very little detail is available here, but the chaos in the Utah Soccer organization is continuing apace: Craig Harrington, Utah Royals FC coach, is apparently on an administrative leave of absence, as is assistant coach Louis Lancaster.

Official word came from the club's press office.

Utah Royals FC Head Coach Craig Harrington and Assistant Coach Louis Lancaster have been placed on a leave of absence from team activities, including today’s match against Portland Thorns FC. In the interim, Amy LePeilbet has been named head coach.

The initial report came from a member of the commentary team during today’s Royals match against Portland Thorns.

Amy LePeilbet is the interim coach, according to the report.

That's literally all we have right now. We will continue watching for detail here, but rest assured, it is quite unusual, especially to have information like that come out in a broadcast.

The Utah Soccer organization is currently undergoing significant chaos, with owner Dell Loy Hansen selling the club after accusations of racist, sexist and belittling behavior plaguing the organization’s management.

Utah Jazz exec John Kimball is serving as interim president of Utah Soccer.

No reports had emerged about Harrington to date. It is also not clear if this is related.

UPDATE: Meg Linehan of The Athletic added to the report. It is apparently tied to the broader toxic culture at the organization.