Andina

France, Denmark, and Australia captains want Paolo Guerrero at World Cup

18:29 | Lima, May. 21.

National team captains of France, Denmark, and Australia —who are the opponents of Peru in the World Cup group phase— have asked the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to let Paolo Guerrero play in the 2018 World Cup, FIFPro said Monday.

Signed by Hugo Lloris (France), Simon Kjaer (Denmark), and Mile Jedinak (Australia), the official letter puts forward an urgent request for clemency.

"We respectfully ask the FIFA Council to show compassion with Paolo Guerrero who has given his utmost for his national team since 2004 and has recently achieved one of the highest possible honors for any national team player; qualifying for the FIFA World Cup," the letter reads.

For the three captains, it would be plainly wrong to exclude him from what should be a pinnacle of his career on the basis of a finding which confirms that he did not intend to cheat or enhance his performance with prohibited substances.

As such, they request the FIFA Council to temporally interrupt the ban imposed on the Inca player during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with the suspension to recommence at the conclusion of Peru's participation in the competition.

"We believe that in the interest of fairness and proportionality (…) Paolo who —as everyone agrees did not cheat— should be able to participate with, and against, his fellow professionals in the World Cup," they pointed out.

As stated in the letter, the decision needs to be made in a short window of time given that the June 4 deadline for all World Cup nations to announce their 23-man squads is rapidly approaching.

The request for clemency is submitted to the FIFA Council in accordance with art. 34 par. 12 of the FIFA Statutes which stipulates that: "The Council shall deal with all matters relating to FIFA that do not fall within the sphere of responsibility of another body, in accordance with these Statutes."

It must be noted the World Players' Union (FIFPro) has written to FIFA requesting that Peru captain Paolo Guerrero be allowed to participate in the major international soccer competition.

"We are hoping for a breakthrough in the next 24-48 hours," FIFPro wrote Sunday on Twitter.


As is known, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last week increased a ban against Peru's top striker from 6 to 14 months, which results in him being precluded from making his debut in the 2018 World Cup. 

Guerrero case

Last December, FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended the striker for one year after analyzing the adverse analytical result of the anti-doping test conducted on him following a Qualifiers match against Argentina in October.

Later, it decided to reduce such suspension to 6 months, which would have allowed the sportsman to join the Inca team that will participate in the 2018 World Cup.

The star's defense demonstrated —with evidence— that he had never used cocaine (banned by FIFA).

In order to seek acquittal, the player's defense appealed the decision last January.

Yet, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requested the sanction to be extended for up to two years.

Last Monday, CAS decided to increase Guerrero's suspension from 6 to 14 months, thus leaving him out of the sporting mega-event.

Two days later, President Martin Vizcarra announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support Guerrero. The player's defense team will appeal to the Swiss Federal Court to have the doping ban annulled.

Justice Minister Salvador Heresi on Friday affirmed that Mr. Vizcarra's support does not imply government interference in the process.

Guerrero also denied rumors that he would quit the national team in case his legal status does not change.

The athlete and Peruvian Soccer Federation President Edwin Oviedo have traveled to Switzerland, where they will meet with FIFA Chairman Gianni Infantino.

(END) NDP/RMB/MVB

Publicado: 21/5/2018