The Trial of Fox Sports’ Acquisition of World Cup Rights

Recently, an ongoing trial has occurred in New York City involving executives from Fox Sports who are facing allegations of paying bribes to secure the World Cup rights for 2018 and 2022, as well as for the Copa Libertadores, a tournament involving clubs from countries from South America. According to an article in the AP, Fox executives schemed to undermine rival bids for the TV rights. The primary witness, Alejandro Burzaco, has alleged that his fellow Fox executives bribed South American football officials to obtain the rights. According to a New York Times article, a well-known former FIFA official from Argentina, Julio Grondona (now deceased), was quoted to have said, “ If Fox puts up $400 million, it will win the rights”. This trial comes amid previous corruption scandals that have engulfed FIFA recently. This trial is ongoing, and there will likely be more revelations—updates to follow.