FIFA bribery case folded as DOJ shifts enforcement priorities

A federal judge dismissed the FIFA bribery case against Hernan Lopez and Full Play Group after the Justice Department said the prosecution no longer fits its priorities, marking another high-profile case dropped under the current administration. The matter stems from a 2015 takedown that exposed bribery tied to media and broadcast rights within FIFA, with Lopez having been convicted in 2023 and later appealed. DOJ stated the dismissal is limited to this case and does not retreat from other convictions, while noting the decision reflects resource priorities such as terrorism and national security rather than a broader exoneration of all defendants.