BREAKING NEWS: Federal prosecutors in New York have just dropped all charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox, in a significant development regarding the FIFA bribery scandal. This decision ends a lengthy legal battle over the broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other major soccer events.
In a letter submitted to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen on Tuesday, Joseph Nocella, the U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, stated that the charges against Lopez and Full Play Group, an Argentine sports media rights company, should be dismissed “in the interests of justice.” This dramatic move signifies a major shift in the legal landscape surrounding the case.
Lopez was previously convicted in 2024 on multiple charges, including money laundering and conspiracy, linked to allegations of paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes for broadcasting rights. The case has been mired in appeals, with an earlier federal appeals court ruling reinstating these convictions, contradicting Judge Chen’s earlier motion for acquittal.
The Biden administration’s Justice Department has now recommended that the Supreme Court reverse the appeals court decision and dismiss the case entirely. In a related filing, the Solicitor General’s Office expressed that the dismissal is warranted and called for the court’s intervention to overturn the reinstatement of the convictions.
This decision not only impacts Lopez and Full Play Group but also marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of FIFA’s operations and the integrity of sports broadcasting rights. The implications of this case resonate deeply within the sports community and could alter public perception of FIFA’s governance.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court to see if they will accept the Justice Department’s recommendations. The ramifications of this case extend beyond legalities, as it also touches upon issues of ethical standards in sports and broadcasting.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves, and be sure to share this urgent news with others.
