US Drops Soccer Corruption Charges, Cites Lack of Resources

Prosecutors say pursuing case against former Fox exec not worth the effort

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:11pm

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The U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn has moved to dismiss criminal charges against a former Fox executive and an Argentine sports-marketing company that were convicted of trying to bribe soccer officials for broadcasting rights. The prosecutor cited the 'interests of justice' and said the Department of Justice has determined it will not commit further resources to the case.

Why it matters

This decision marks a shift in the U.S. government's focus away from white-collar crime prosecutions, as the Justice Department under the Trump administration has prioritized areas like drug trafficking, immigration, and violent crime over financial crimes. The dismissal of these charges comes five months after an appeals court reinstated the convictions.

The details

Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. Attorney, sought to dismiss the cases against Hernan Lopez, the former CEO of Fox International Channels, and the Argentine company Full Play Group. Nocella said the Department of Justice has decided it will not commit further resources to these convictions, though he did not provide a more detailed explanation. Lawyers for Lopez and Full Play have denied any wrongdoing.

  • In December 2025, Nocella cited 'the interests of justice' in seeking to dismiss the cases.
  • In March 2023, Lopez and Full Play were originally convicted of trying to bribe soccer officials.
  • In late 2025, a federal appeals court reinstated the convictions of Lopez and Full Play.

The players

Joseph Nocella Jr.

The U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn who moved to dismiss the criminal charges against Lopez and Full Play.

Hernan Lopez

The former CEO of Fox International Channels who was convicted of trying to bribe soccer officials.

Full Play Group

An Argentine sports-marketing company that was also convicted of trying to bribe soccer officials.

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What they’re saying

“The Department of Justice has determined that it will not commit further resources to these two defendants' convictions.”

— Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant the government's request to dismiss the charges against Lopez and Full Play.

The takeaway

This decision reflects a broader shift in the Justice Department's priorities under the Trump administration, moving away from white-collar crime prosecutions in favor of focusing on issues like drug trafficking, immigration, and violent crime. It remains to be seen if this marks a long-term change in the government's approach to financial crimes.