US Drops Charges Against Hernan Lopez in FIFA Bribery Case

UPDATE: Federal prosecutors in New York have just announced the dismissal of charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox employee, in a high-profile bribery scandal linked to FIFA. This decision marks a significant turning point in a legal battle that has lasted for years over broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other major soccer events.

In a letter dated October 3, 2023, 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 involved in the scandal, should be dismissed “in the interests of justice.” This move effectively ends a contentious legal struggle that has seen multiple appeals and reinstatements of convictions.

Lopez was convicted in 2024 by a jury in Brooklyn on serious charges, including money laundering and conspiracy, linked to payments totaling tens of millions of dollars made to secure broadcasting rights. Full Play Group faced additional counts related to wire fraud and money laundering. Earlier this year, an appeals court reinstated these convictions after Judge Chen granted a motion for acquittal.

The Justice Department’s latest filing also urged the Supreme Court to reverse the appeals court’s decision, allowing Lopez’s case to be dismissed by a New York federal judge. This swift legal shift underscores the complexities and high stakes involved in this significant case.

As reactions unfold, CBS News has reached out to Lopez’s representatives for comment. Meanwhile, Full Play Group’s legal team has declined to provide a statement on the matter.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond the courtroom, as it reflects ongoing tensions in sports broadcasting and the legal ramifications surrounding major international events like the FIFA World Cup. The dismissal of charges against Lopez may alter the landscape for similar cases moving forward.

What’s Next: Watch for further developments as the legal community and sports industry process this unexpected turn of events. Will this set a precedent for future cases? Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to evolve.