Federal prosecutors in the United States moved to dismiss bribery charges in a long-running international soccer case on Tuesday, shortly after President Donald Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The decision has sparked online scrutiny over the timing, though no evidence links the two events. The case involved a former Fox executive and a sports marketing firm accused of bribes for South American soccer broadcast rights.
Prosecutors asked the Supreme Court to drop the charges against Hernan Lopez, a former Fox executive, and the Argentine company Full Play Group. Lopez was convicted in 2023 of conspiring to pay millions in bribes to secure broadcast rights for South American soccer tournaments. Full Play was accused of coordinating the bribes for broadcasters. The case stemmed from a broader U.S. investigation into corruption in FIFA-affiliated regional bodies, with FIFA itself not charged.
A Justice Department spokesperson stated: “These prosecutions are not consistent with the current prosecutorial priorities of the United States, which direct the Department of Justice’s resources into Making America Safe Again.” Prosecutors added that dismissal serves the interests of justice.
Lopez expressed relief to the Associated Press, saying the charges were baseless and that he had fought for five years to clear his name.
The move came days after Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize on Friday in Washington, D.C., during the 2026 World Cup draw. The tournament is set for next summer in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award, described as recognizing exceptional actions for peace that unite people worldwide. Infantino posted on Instagram: “I was honored and delighted to present the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize—Football Unites the World award to U.S. President Donald J. Trump for his unwavering commitment to advancing peace and unity throughout the world through his notable leadership and action.”
Social media users questioned the timing. CNN reporter Aaron Blake wrote on X: "A week after FIFA gave Trump a newly created award and made him a focal point of the World Cup draw. And with no real explanation." Reporter Sam Stein added: "Amazing what a made up trophy can get you these days." An X user @covie_93 posted: "Makes sense now doesn't it??? trump's DOJ is dropping FIFA corruption case after he got a FIFA 'peace prize.'"
A human rights group has urged FIFA's Ethics Committee to probe if the award violates rules on political neutrality. Earlier this year, FIFA opened an office in Trump Tower in New York City.
The Supreme Court will review the motion to send the case back to a lower court for formal dismissal.
