UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, federal prosecutors in New York have just moved to drop all charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox, and Full Play Group, amid ongoing legal turmoil surrounding the FIFA bribery scandal. This decision, announced on October 31, 2023, marks a significant conclusion to a lengthy legal battle over broadcasting rights tied to the World Cup and other major soccer events.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella, stated in a letter to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen that the dismissal of charges is warranted “in the interests of justice.” The Justice Department is now urging the Supreme Court to reverse an appeals court decision that had reinstated Lopez’s convictions after they were previously vacated in 2024.
Lopez faced serious allegations, including charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and wire fraud. He was found guilty by a jury in Brooklyn, which determined he had paid tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure lucrative broadcasting rights. The Full Play Group was similarly implicated, facing charges of wire fraud and money laundering related to the World Cup and Copa America events.
Earlier in the year, a federal appeals court took the controversial step of reinstating the convictions of both Lopez and Full Play, following Judge Chen’s motion for acquittal in 2024. This prompted the current Biden administration’s Justice Department to appeal the ruling, leading to today’s unexpected announcement.
As the legal landscape shifts, it is crucial to note the implications of this decision. The dismissal not only impacts Lopez and Full Play, but also raises questions about the future of legal accountability in high-profile corruption cases. The Justice Department’s stance indicates a potential pivot towards more lenient enforcement in such matters.
Next steps will involve the Supreme Court hearing Lopez’s appeal, with expectations that they will reconsider the appeals court’s reinstatement of the convictions. Observers are keenly watching how this will unfold, as it could set a significant precedent in the realm of sports corruption and media rights.
As this story develops, it highlights the complex interplay between law, sports, and media rights, and the ongoing repercussions for those involved. Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking news as it continues to evolve.
