Prosecutors Drop Fraud Charges Against Former Fox Executive in Soccer Bribery Case
The U.S. government has moved to dismiss fraud charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox executive, in a stunning reversal related to a long-running investigation into corruption within international soccer. The decision, filed Tuesday in federal court, comes despite a recent appeals court reinstatement of Lopez’s 2023 conviction, and as the U.S. Supreme Court considers hearing his appeal.
A Case Rooted in FIFA Corruption
The case against Lopez emerged from a sweeping U.S. Department of Justice probe launched in 2015, which implicated over 40 individuals in a widespread scheme to defraud FIFA and various regional soccer federations. Prosecutors alleged that Lopez, while serving as chief executive of Fox International Channels, engaged in a bribery scheme targeting officials at CONMEBOL, the South American soccer federation. The goal was to secure broadcasting rights for the Copa Libertadores, the continent’s premier club tournament.
Legal Battles and Reversals
The legal proceedings have been marked by significant twists. Initially, U.S. District Court Judge Pamela Chen set aside Lopez’s verdict in 2023, ruling that a federal law concerning honest services wire fraud did not apply to instances of foreign commercial bribery. However, this decision was overturned by an appeals court several months ago, reinstating the conviction.
Now, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella Jr., has determined that dismissing the case against Lopez “would be in the interests of justice,” according to a court filing. Nocella did not provide further explanation for the decision.
Lopez Maintains Innocence, Supreme Court Involvement
Lopez, in a statement released Wednesday, asserted his innocence, stating the charges were “baseless from the start.” He continued, “Throughout my career, I’ve always held myself to the highest standard of ethics and professionalism, and while this ordeal was incredibly trying on me and my family, I’m grateful the truth prevailed.”
Adding another layer of complexity, the government has simultaneously requested that the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the appeals court’s decision and send the case back to Judge Chen for dismissal. This unusual move suggests a strategic effort to finalize the case without further legal challenges. A representative from Nocella’s office declined to comment on the government’s filing.
The unfolding events highlight the intricate legal challenges in prosecuting international corruption cases and the evolving interpretations of laws related to foreign bribery. The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to hear Lopez’s appeal will ultimately determine the final outcome of this high-profile case.
