In a dramatic turn in the ongoing saga of international soccer corruption, U.S. prosecutors have informed the Supreme Court that they intend to drop their pursuit of criminal charges against former Fox executive Hernan Lopez and South American sports media company Full Play Group SA. The decision effectively signals an end to a protracted legal battle over allegations of bribery related to television rights for major international soccer tournaments.

Background of the Case

Hernan Lopez, who previously served as CEO of Fox International Channels, and Full Play Group were convicted in 2023 following a federal trial in Brooklyn, New York. The convictions stemmed from accusations that Lopez orchestrated millions of dollars in bribes to officials at CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, to secure broadcasting rights for the Copa Libertadores, as well as confidential bidding information for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Shortly after the convictions, a federal judge granted an acquittal, only for an appeals court to reinstate the guilty verdicts in July 2025. Since then, additional appeals had left the case in legal uncertainty.

Justice Department’s Decision

In filings submitted to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, U.S. prosecutors stated that dismissal of the case would be “in the interests of justice.” While the government did not elaborate on the precise reasons for this decision, the motion requests that the case be sent back to a lower federal court to formally consider dismissing the indictment.

Lopez expressed relief at the development, stating in a public comment, “The charges were baseless from the start, and I have fought for five years to clear my name. I am grateful for this move and look forward to putting this matter behind me.” Lawyers representing Full Play Group declined to comment.

Broader Context: FIFA and U.S. Corruption Probes

The case is part of a broader investigation by U.S. authorities into corruption in international soccer, which first came to global attention in 2015. That investigation accused officials from multiple soccer federations of accepting over $150 million in bribes and payoffs in exchange for television rights and other lucrative contracts.

Lopez’s alleged involvement specifically centered on orchestrating bribes that allowed Fox to secure key broadcasting rights, reflecting how corporate executives and media companies have historically influenced global sports markets.

Legal and Political Implications

Recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, combined with policy changes in past administrations, have made securing corruption convictions more challenging. Under the Trump administration, certain statutes limiting U.S. companies from providing money or gifts to foreign officials were paused, and prosecutorial priorities in the Justice Department were adjusted. These developments have contributed to the complexities surrounding high-profile international bribery cases like Lopez’s.

Although Fox Corp., which was restructured from its international channels subsidiary in 2019, was never charged in the scandal and has denied any wrongdoing, the case highlights the scrutiny faced by global media companies involved in lucrative sports contracts.

Looking Ahead

The decision to drop the charges comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, underscoring the ongoing importance of transparency and accountability in international soccer. Legal analysts predict that the resolution of this case could set an important precedent for how U.S. authorities handle corruption allegations in global sports moving forward.