A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has dismissed the indictment against former Fox executive Hernan Lopez, concluding a high‑profile soccer corruption case that had dragged on for years.
Background on the Case
Lopez was convicted in 2023 for paying bribes to secure broadcasting rights for the World Cup and other matches, a scheme that also implicated his company, Full Play Group SA. The conviction followed an earlier acquittal that was later reinstated, creating a complex legal back‑and‑forth that culminated in the recent dismissal.
The Administration's Role
The dismissal was grounded in the Trump administration's priorities, which emphasize terrorism, national security and trafficking. Prosecutors argued that continuing the case would divert resources from those broader objectives, prompting the court to set aside the indictment without relying on the earlier acquittal.
FIFA's Position
FIFA voiced its support for the decision, stating that dropping the charges against Lopez and Full Play would not affect other ongoing convictions. The governing body reiterated its commitment to anti‑corruption initiatives and highlighted disciplinary actions taken against officials involved in similar schemes.
U.S. Funding of Soccer Projects
The United States has contributed $201 million to FIFA and related organizations for community‑focused soccer programs worldwide. The money funds after‑school leagues, refurbished fields, training curricula and youth tournaments, linking the administration's broader sports outreach to grassroots development.
While the dismissal spares Lopez from further prosecution, it does not erase the underlying allegations of bribery. The case remains a focal point in the broader effort to root out corruption in international soccer, a fight that continues across courts, governing bodies and government agencies.