US Prosecutors Dismiss Charges Against Hernan Lopez in FIFA Case

Federal prosecutors in New York have moved to dismiss charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox, who was convicted in connection with the FIFA bribery scandal. This decision marks the end of a protracted legal battle concerning broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other major soccer events. The Justice Department cited the interests of justice in their recommendation for the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse an appeals court ruling that had reinstated the convictions.

In a letter submitted to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen, who presided over the case, Joseph Nocella, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated that the charges against Lopez and his co-defendant, Full Play Group, an Argentine sports media rights company, should be dismissed. The letter emphasized that such a move would serve the interests of justice.

Lopez was convicted in 2024 by a jury in Brooklyn on several charges, including money laundering, conspiracy, and wire fraud conspiracy, related to his role in securing broadcasting rights through corrupt means. Full Play Group faced additional convictions on two counts of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering specifically tied to the World Cup and Copa America events.

Earlier this year, a federal appeals court had ordered the reinstatement of the convictions after Judge Chen granted a motion for acquittal. The Biden administration’s Justice Department subsequently appealed that ruling, leading to this latest development.

The Solicitor General’s Office also filed a motion in the Supreme Court regarding Lopez’s ongoing appeal, asserting that the dismissal of the case is justified and that the Supreme Court should reverse the appeals court decision, allowing the case to return to a federal judge in New York for dismissal.

As of now, attempts by CBS News to reach representatives for Lopez have been unsuccessful, and lawyers for Full Play Group have declined to comment on the matter. This case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for corruption in sports broadcasting and the integrity of international soccer governance.

The dismissal of these charges reflects a broader trend in handling high-profile cases involving allegations of bribery and corruption within major sporting organizations. The implications for future investigations and prosecutions in this arena remain to be seen, but this outcome signifies a noteworthy shift in the legal landscape surrounding the FIFA scandal.