A Santiago court dismissed all criminal charges against former ANFP president Sergio Jadue on July 28, 2026 [1].

The ruling ends a long-standing legal battle involving one of the most prominent figures in Chilean soccer. Because the charges were dismissed based on the statute of limitations, Jadue is no longer legally pursued for these specific crimes in his home country.

The 13° Juzgado de Garantía de Santiago issued the decision [2]. The court said the criminal case could not proceed because the tax-related offenses and false-declaration charges had prescribed [3]. This legal mechanism means the time limit for the state to prosecute the crimes had expired.

Jadue had been living outside of Chile for several years following the initial scandal. Reports on the exact duration of his absence vary, with some sources stating he spent approximately 10 years outside the country [1], while others report the period was 11 years [4].

The charges against the former Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional leader centered on tax crimes and declarations made during his tenure. By granting the dismissal, known as *sobreseimiento*, the court effectively closed the investigation into these specific financial irregularities [3].

This judicial outcome marks a significant shift for Jadue, who had remained a fugitive from the Chilean justice system for a decade. The ruling specifically addresses the prescription of the crimes, meaning the court did not rule on the innocence or guilt of the accused, but rather on the legality of continuing the prosecution after so much time had passed [3].

“The court ruled that the tax-related offenses and false-declaration charges had prescribed.”

The dismissal of charges against Sergio Jadue highlights the impact of statutes of limitations on high-profile white-collar crime cases in Chile. By remaining outside the country for roughly a decade, Jadue successfully outlasted the legal window for prosecution. This result provides a legal victory for the former executive without requiring a trial on the merits of the tax-evasion allegations.