US Drops Charges Against Hernan Lopez in FIFA Bribery Case
BREAKING NEWS: Federal prosecutors in New York have just announced the dismissal of charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox employee embroiled in the infamous FIFA bribery scandal. This urgent update marks a dramatic turn in a legal battle that has spanned several years and involved significant broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other major soccer events.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella, confirmed in a letter to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen that the charges against Lopez and the Argentine sports media rights company, Full Play Group, should be dismissed “in the interests of justice.” This decision comes as the Justice Department seeks to reverse a recent appeals court ruling that reinstated the convictions, which were originally overturned in 2024.
Lopez was convicted in a Brooklyn jury trial in 2024 on serious charges including money laundering and conspiracy, alongside Full Play Group, which faced additional counts related specifically to wire fraud conspiracy. The scandal has implicated numerous high-profile figures and raised serious questions about corruption in international soccer.
Earlier this year, a federal appeals court ordered the reinstatement of these convictions after Judge Chen granted a motion for acquittal. However, the Biden-era Justice Department has now opted to drop the case entirely. In a related filing to the Supreme Court, the Solicitor General’s Office stated that the dismissal is warranted and urged the court to reconsider the case.
The ramifications of this decision are profound, not only for Lopez but also for the integrity of sports broadcasting and the ongoing scrutiny of corruption in sports governance. As the legal proceedings come to a close, the dismissal of these charges signifies a major victory for Lopez and Full Play Group, while also raising broader implications for the future of legal accountability in sports.
As this story develops, it is crucial to monitor the reactions from both the legal community and soccer enthusiasts who have followed this case closely. Share your thoughts on this significant legal shift, and stay tuned for further updates as they emerge.
