URGENT UPDATE: Federal prosecutors in New York have just announced the dismissal of charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox, involved in the notorious FIFA bribery scandal. This decision marks a significant turning point in a lengthy legal battle concerning broadcasting rights for major soccer events, including the World Cup.
The Justice Department’s move, revealed in a letter dated October 24, 2023, emphasizes the “interests of justice.” U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella, stated that the charges against Lopez and Full Play Group, the Argentine sports media rights company implicated in the scandal, should be dismissed. This development effectively ends years of appeals and legal disputes surrounding the case.
Lopez was previously convicted in 2024 of bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy for allegedly paying tens of millions of dollars to secure broadcasting rights to the FIFA World Cup and Copa America. The Supreme Court has also been asked to reverse an appeals court decision that reinstated these convictions, following a motion for acquittal granted by Judge Chen earlier this year.
In a filing with the Supreme Court, the Solicitor General’s Office supported the dismissal of the case and requested that the court hear Lopez’s appeal. This pivotal moment reflects a significant shift in the prosecution’s approach, highlighting the complexities of the FIFA bribery investigations.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond the courtroom. The Justice Department’s decision to withdraw charges could reshape perceptions of accountability within the sports broadcasting industry, especially amidst ongoing scrutiny of corruption in international soccer.
As this story develops, the implications for involved parties and future legal proceedings remain uncertain. Observers are urged to stay tuned as more details emerge regarding the potential impact of this dismissal on the FIFA scandal and broader sports media landscape.
This urgent development is garnering attention from across the globe, and updates are expected to follow shortly.
