By Jacob Rosen
Justice Department Reporter
Updated on: December 13, 2025 / 7:47 PM EST / CBS News
Federal prosecutors in New York asked a judge Tuesday to dismiss charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox executive convicted in a scheme to bribe FIFA officials for broadcast rights to the World Cup and other major soccer matches, and against Full Play Group, the Argentine sports media rights company involved in the case.
In a letter to U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella said the charges should be dismissed “in the interests of justice.” The move would end a yearslong effort by prior Justice Departments to preserve convictions now tied up in appeals.
The Solicitor General’s Office filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, saying dismissal is warranted and asking the high court to hear Lopez’s appeal, overturn a lower appeals court decision that had reinstated his conviction, and return the case to a New York federal judge who could dismiss it.
Lopez was convicted in 2023 by a Brooklyn jury on money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges. Full Play was convicted on additional counts of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering related to the World Cup and the Copa America.
Earlier this year, a federal appeals court ordered the convictions of Lopez and Full Play reinstated after Judge Chen granted a motion for acquittal in 2024; the Biden-era Justice Department appealed that ruling.
CBS News sought comment from Lopez’s representatives; lawyers for Full Play Group declined to comment.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story misstated details about the charges against Lopez and the year of his conviction.