The U.S. Department of Justice has requested that a New York court postpone the trial of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores until July 22. According to reports from CNN en Español and Excélsior, federal prosecutors cited the logistical impact of the 2026 World Cup as the primary reason for the delay.
- Defendants: Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores
- Proposed New Date: July 22
- Reason for Delay: 2026 World Cup logistics
- Jurisdiction: New York, USA
Why the 2026 World Cup is delaying the trial
Federal prosecutors are seeking the postponement due to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. According to Excélsior, the U.S. government believes the event’s presence in New York creates conflicts that necessitate moving the hearing date. The request aims to push the next court appearance for Maduro and Flores to July 22.
The details of the DOJ’s request
The U.S. Department of Justice filed what MSN described as an “extraordinary request” just days before the scheduled hearing was set to take place. The filing specifically addresses the timing of the proceedings involving the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores.
According to reports from El Diario Venezuela and AlbertoNews, the legal move seeks to reorganize the court’s calendar to avoid the disruptions associated with the international sporting event. The prosecution’s request is now pending a decision by the court in New York.
