Federal prosecutors in New York have decided to drop charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox Sports, and the sports media rights company Full Play Group. This decision concludes a lengthy legal battle concerning bribery linked to broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup and other prominent soccer events.
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 dismissing the charges serves “the interests of justice.” The Justice Department’s move signals a significant shift as it seeks to overturn a previous appeals court decision that reinstated the convictions of Lopez and Full Play Group.
Lopez was convicted in 2024 by a jury in Brooklyn on multiple counts, including money laundering and conspiracy. The charges stemmed from allegations that he paid tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure broadcasting rights for major soccer tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa America. Full Play Group faced similar convictions, including two additional counts of conspiracy and money laundering.
Earlier this year, a federal appeals court ordered the reinstatement of these convictions after Judge Chen had previously granted a motion for acquittal in 2024. Following this, the Justice Department, under the Biden administration, appealed the ruling.
In a filing with the Supreme Court related to Lopez’s ongoing appeal, the Solicitor General’s Office echoed the call for the dismissal of the case. They recommended that the Supreme Court serve Lopez’s appeal, reverse the appeals court’s decision, and allow the case to return to a New York federal judge for dismissal.
Despite the legal developments, attempts by CBS News to reach Lopez’s representatives have been unsuccessful. The legal team for Full Play Group has also declined to make any comments regarding the case.
The conclusion of this high-profile case highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding the intersection of sports, media rights, and ethics in the global arena. The outcome may also impact future dealings in sports broadcasting and the ongoing scrutiny of financial practices within the industry.
