Summary
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. decided to drop bribery charges in a big international soccer case, shortly after President Donald Trump received a FIFA Peace Prize. There is no evidence linking the award to the decision to drop the charges, though the timing has raised questions.
Key Facts
- U.S. prosecutors asked to drop bribery charges against Hernan Lopez and the Argentine company Full Play Group.
- Lopez was convicted of paying bribes for soccer tournament broadcast rights.
- The charges were part of a broader investigation into corruption involving FIFA-related bodies.
- FIFA itself was not charged in the bribery case.
- Prosecutors claimed dropping the charges was "in the interests of justice."
- President Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize, awarded for his efforts to promote peace.
- The prize and the timing of dropping charges raised public speculation and questions.
- The Supreme Court will consider the request to formally dismiss the charges.
