UPDATE: Federal prosecutors in New York have just announced the dismissal of charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox employee embroiled in the FIFA bribery scandal. This dramatic decision marks the end of a lengthy legal battle over broadcasting rights for major soccer events, including the World Cup.
In a letter sent to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen on October 3, 2023, Joseph Nocella, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated that the charges against Lopez and the Full Play Group, the Argentine sports media rights company implicated in the case, should be dismissed “in the interests of justice.” This significant shift in the case comes after years of appeals and legal contention.
Lopez was previously convicted in 2024 on multiple counts, including money laundering and conspiracy, linked to his involvement in paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure lucrative broadcasting rights. Full Play Group faced similar charges, contributing to the ongoing scandal that has captivated global audiences.
The Justice Department’s move to drop the charges comes after a federal appeals court recently reinstated the convictions, following Judge Chen’s earlier motion for acquittal. In a Supreme Court filing also dated today, the Solicitor General’s Office recommended that the court hear Lopez’s appeal, reverse the reinstatement of the convictions, and allow for the case to be dismissed entirely.
This development raises questions about the future of similar cases as the Biden administration seeks to reshape its approach to corruption prosecutions in sports. The implications of this ruling could resonate throughout the sports broadcasting industry, affecting how rights are negotiated and regulated.
As this story develops, attention will turn to how Lopez and Full Play Group respond to the dismissal and whether any further legal actions will emerge. Legal experts are closely monitoring the situation for potential impacts on ongoing investigations in the sports world.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story as it unfolds.
