URGENT UPDATE: Federal prosecutors in New York have just announced the dismissal of bribery charges against Hernan Lopez, a former employee of Fox, and the Argentine sports media rights company Full Play Group. This decisive move ends a lengthy legal battle connected to the FIFA bribery scandal involving broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other major soccer events.
In a letter sent to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen on October 31, 2023, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella stated that the charges should be dropped “in the interests of justice.” This significant development follows years of legal proceedings as previous administrations fought to uphold Lopez’s conviction, which included serious allegations of bribery amounting to tens of millions of dollars.
Lopez was convicted on multiple counts, including money laundering and conspiracy, by a jury in Brooklyn in 2024. Full Play Group faced additional charges related to fraud. However, a federal appeals court recently reinstated these convictions after Judge Chen had previously granted a motion for acquittal earlier this year.
The Justice Department’s latest filing on October 31 urges the Supreme Court to reverse the appeals court’s decision and return the case to a New York federal judge for dismissal. The Solicitor General’s Office echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a fair resolution to Lopez’s case.
This dismissal marks a critical juncture in a scandal that has rocked the sports broadcasting industry, impacting numerous stakeholders and raising questions about the integrity of international sports events. The implications of this decision are profound, potentially altering the landscape of sports media rights negotiations and restoring Lopez’s reputation after a tumultuous legal journey.
As this story develops, industry experts and legal analysts are closely monitoring the implications of this ruling. What happens next could shape the future of sports broadcasting and the accountability of media organizations in international sports.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
