Utah Royals FC Coach Fired Following Allegations Of Inappropriate Behavior

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Craig Harrington is no longer the coach of Utah Royals FC as the club has decided to move on from him following allegations of inappropriate behavior.

“Utah Royals FC is proud to represent the state of Utah nationally and across the globe. Utah Royals FC takes this responsibility seriously, and have committed to keeping the community and its fans apprised of team developments. After careful review and consideration, the Club has decided to part ways with head coach Craig Harrington. Amy LePeilbet will continue as Interim Head Coach until further notice.  As Coach LePeilbet has already demonstrated, she is well-positioned to serve in this interim role and embodies the Club’s dedication to the highest standards of conduct, civility, and professionalism,” the club stated.

Utah Royals FC placed head coach Craig Harrington and assistant coach Louis Lancaster on leave from team activities https://t.co/cndcFsFEE1 @kslsports #kslsports

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) September 21, 2020

Harrington, 38, was placed on a leave of absence on September 21, 2020.

The leave of absence came during a time in which the Utah Royals was being investigated by the National Women’s Soccer League following turmoil and allegations throughout the club as it related to the workplace environment.

Harrington’s tenure as manager of the Royals was short-lived. He was announced as the manager on February 7th, 2020, weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the sporting world.

Harrington was only in charge of the Royals for five matches all of which came during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. While in charge, Harrington only won one match, he drew once and lost three times.

The club will begin to search for a new manager while Amy LePeilbet overtakes in an interim role. Assistant Louis Lancaster, who was also placed on a leave of absence at the same time that Harrington was, has returned to his role as an assistant coach the club also stated.