In a significant development in international sports law, federal prosecutors in New York have moved to drop all charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox executive, in connection with one of the largest soccer corruption scandals in recent history. The case also involves Full Play Group, an Argentine sports media rights company accused of participating in widespread bribery schemes.

The Justice Department’s decision, announced Tuesday, marks a potential end to a yearslong legal battle over allegations that Lopez and Full Play paid tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure broadcasting rights to top soccer events, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa America tournaments.

Charges and Conviction Background

Lopez was convicted in 2024 by a Brooklyn jury on charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and wire fraud conspiracy. Full Play Group, the Argentine company at the center of the scandal, faced convictions on two additional counts of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. These charges stemmed from their alleged involvement in bribing officials to gain exclusive media rights to major soccer events, a scheme that shook the global sports community.

Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen had granted a motion for acquittal in 2024, but a federal appeals court later reinstated the convictions of Lopez and Full Play. The Biden-era Justice Department challenged this ruling, setting the stage for a final resolution at the Supreme Court level.

Justice Department’s Motion to Dismiss

In a letter to Judge Chen dated Tuesday, Joseph Nocella, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated that dismissing the charges would serve “the interests of justice.” The Solicitor General’s Office echoed this position in a Supreme Court filing, recommending that Lopez’s appeal be heard, the appellate court’s reinstatement of his conviction be reversed, and the case returned to a federal judge who could formally dismiss the matter.

If the motion is granted, it would bring closure to a legal saga that has spanned multiple administrations, from both the Trump-era to the Biden-era Justice Department, highlighting the complexities of prosecuting high-profile international sports corruption cases.

Reactions and Next Steps

Lawyers for Full Play Group declined to comment on the Justice Department’s motion. Representatives for Lopez were not immediately available for comment. Legal analysts suggest that the Supreme Court’s involvement could clarify key legal questions regarding corporate liability and individual accountability in international bribery cases.

The case has also drawn attention to the role of sports media companies in global corruption scandals, emphasizing the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in international soccer.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for both corporate executives and international sports organizations, setting a precedent for how bribery and media rights disputes are prosecuted in the United States.