BREAKING: Federal prosecutors in New York have just announced the dismissal of charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox employee implicated in the FIFA bribery scandal. This significant development ends a lengthy legal battle surrounding the controversial broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other high-profile soccer events.
In a letter sent earlier today to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella stated that the charges against Lopez and Full Play Group, the Argentine sports media rights company involved, should be dropped “in the interests of justice.” This decision comes as part of a broader effort by the current Justice Department to reverse an earlier appeals court ruling that reinstated their convictions.
Lopez was previously convicted in 2024 on multiple counts including money laundering and conspiracy related to the payment of tens of millions of dollars in bribes for broadcasting rights. Meanwhile, Full Play faced additional counts of wire fraud conspiracy in connection to the World Cup and Copa America.
Today’s move effectively concludes a years-long saga marked by appeals and legal wrangling, as past Justice Departments fought to maintain the convictions. Earlier this year, an appellate court had ordered the reinstatement of these convictions after Judge Chen had granted a motion for acquittal. The current administration’s decision to drop the charges indicates a significant shift in the legal landscape surrounding this high-profile scandal.
A filing from the Solicitor General’s Office also recommended dismissing the charges and stated that the Supreme Court should hear Lopez’s appeal. This could lead to a reversal of the appeals court’s reinstatement of the convictions and potentially allow the case to be dismissed altogether in a New York federal court.
As this story develops, the implications for sports broadcasting and the integrity of FIFA’s operations continue to raise questions. The dismissal of charges against Lopez marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny of corruption within international sports organizations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.
