U.S. prosecutors announced on Tuesday their intention to abandon the long-running legal battle surrounding the convictions of Hernan Lopez, a former executive at Fox International Channels, and the South American sports media company Full Play Group SA. This decision comes after a complex series of trials and appeals in a high-profile corruption case tied to international soccer broadcasting rights.
This development is significant as it marks a potential end to a contentious legal saga that has spanned years, drawing attention to broader issues of corruption within international sports governance. The case has been closely monitored, particularly against the backdrop of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
Key Developments
- After multiple court rulings, prosecutors expressed that it is in the “interests of justice” to dismiss the charges against Lopez and Full Play.
- Lopez reacted positively to the decision, expressing gratitude and maintaining that the charges were unfounded.
- The case has been part of a broader investigation into corruption linked to several soccer federations, spearheaded by U.S. prosecutors since 2015.
- The Trump administration had previously altered the approach to prosecuting corruption, affecting ongoing cases like this one.
Full Report
Prosecutors’ Decision
The government has requested the Supreme Court to refer the case back to a lower court, allowing it to consider a motion to dismiss the indictment. The prosecution did not elaborate on the reasons behind this strategic shift. This move indicates that after lengthy and complicated appeals, including a court’s reinstatement of the convictions earlier this year, the government is reassessing its stance.
Lopez’s Reaction
In a press statement, Hernan Lopez expressed his appreciation for the prosecutors’ decision, reiterating his belief that the charges against him were baseless. He emphasized his desire to finally leave this chapter behind following a five-year battle to vindicate himself.
Overview of the Case
Lopez and Full Play Group were implicated in a broader investigation into corruption within FIFA and various regional soccer federations. Both were convicted in 2023 in relation to bribing officials for broadcasting rights to major tournaments, including the Copa Libertadores and the World Cup.
Changes in Legal Landscape
Recent Supreme Court rulings have made obtaining certain corruption convictions more difficult, and changes to how fraud and corruption cases are pursued have emerged under the previous administration. These factors likely influenced the prosecution’s decision-making process in this case.
Context & Previous Events
Lopez and Full Play were part of a larger investigation that began in 2015, when U.S. authorities announced bribes totaling $150 million linked to various soccer federations. The case against them included accusations of orchestrating bribery schemes to secure lucrative broadcasting deals for major soccer events. In contrast, Fox Corp. has maintained its non-involvement and was not charged in connection to the scandal.
