Federal prosecutors in New York have moved to drop charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox Sports, who was previously convicted in relation to the FIFA bribery scandal. This decision marks a significant turning point in a protracted legal battle concerning the broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other major soccer events.
On March 15, 2024, a jury in Brooklyn found Lopez guilty of multiple charges, including money laundering and conspiracy, related to the payment of tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure broadcasting rights for prominent soccer tournaments. Full Play Group, an Argentine sports media rights company, was also found guilty on similar charges.
In a letter submitted to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella stated that the charges against both Lopez and Full Play should be dismissed “in the interests of justice.” This statement reflects a notable shift in the Justice Department’s stance after years of efforts to uphold the convictions.
The move to withdraw the charges comes in the wake of a recent ruling by a federal appeals court, which reinstated the convictions of Lopez and Full Play after Judge Chen had previously granted a motion for acquittal. The Biden administration’s Justice Department had appealed that ruling, advocating for the maintenance of the convictions.
In filings made to the Supreme Court, the Solicitor General’s Office echoed the call for dismissal, asserting that the case warrants a reversal of the appeals court’s decision. They proposed that the Supreme Court should return the matter to a New York federal judge authorized to dismiss the case entirely.
This legal saga has drawn significant attention due to its implications for sports broadcasting and ethics within the industry. Both Lopez and Full Play Group had maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that their actions were within the bounds of acceptable practices in acquiring broadcasting rights.
As this case unfolds, the implications of the prosecutor’s decision to drop the charges may resonate beyond the courtroom, potentially influencing future legal and ethical standards in sports media rights. No comments have been made by representatives of Lopez, and lawyers for Full Play Group have also refrained from providing statements regarding the latest developments.
With the withdrawal of charges, the long-standing controversy surrounding the FIFA bribery scandal takes another unexpected turn, leaving many to ponder the future of corruption in sports.
