BREAKING: Federal prosecutors in New York have just announced the dismissal of all charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox, implicated in the infamous FIFA bribery scandal. This decision marks the end of a tumultuous legal journey surrounding broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other major soccer events.
The Justice Department cited the “interests of justice” in their motion, urging the Supreme Court to overturn a previous appeals court decision that reinstated Lopez’s 2024 convictions. This significant legal shift aims to close a chapter that has dragged on for years, entangled in appeals and complex legal battles.
In a crucial letter addressed to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen on Tuesday, Joseph Nocella, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated that the charges against Lopez and Full Play Group, the Argentine sports media rights company involved, should be dismissed. The Solicitor General’s Office echoed this sentiment in a filing with the Supreme Court, advocating for the dismissal due to the same reasons, and suggesting that the case be returned to a New York federal judge to finalize the dismissal.
Lopez was convicted in 2024 for his role in a scheme involving tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure broadcasting rights to prestigious tournaments, including the World Cup and Copa America. Full Play Group faced additional counts of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering associated with these events.
Earlier this year, a federal appeals court had ordered the reinstatement of the convictions after Judge Chen granted a motion for acquittal. This ruling was contested by the Biden-era Justice Department, which has now pivoted to support the dismissal.
As this story unfolds, the implications of this legal decision resonate within the sports and broadcasting industries. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for future legal actions related to sports rights and corruption.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned as this developing story continues to impact the world of sports and beyond. Share your thoughts on this significant news in the comments below.
