Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero said an injustice has been done and affirmed he has never used prohibited substances throughout his sports career because he did not need to.
According to the national soccer team captain, the recent measure is stealing —without arguments— his dream of playing in a
World Cup.
Guerrero's statements were made following a
CAS decision to increase his suspension from 6 to 14 months.
"To the people who contributed to such disgraceful injustice, you are taking the World Cup and my career away from me, I hope you can sleep in peace," the soccer star said in a video broadcast by Canal N local channel.
"I want to thank all my fans and the people who support me, who know me, who stand by me (…) Keep believing in me, I believe in justice and in God. Besides, I think everything will be all right," he added.
The
Flamengo forward rejected the accusation that he had used banned substances and admitted he never cared about them. Plus, he affirmed he was professional in all aspects.
CAS decided to increase Guerrero's suspension from 6 to 14 months —starting Monday— with the period of provisional suspension of 6 months already served by him being credited against the total period of ineligibility to be served.
As is known, FIFA Disciplinary Committee —last December—
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.
The star's defense had the task of demonstrating —with evidence— that he had never used cocaine (banned by FIFA).
In order to
seek full acquittal, Guerrero's attorneys on January 29 officially submitted an appeal to CAS —the third and last option available to the player in this whole process.
Following Monday's ruling, the 34-year-old is not eligible to join the squad that will participate in the mega event. Said decision has been harshly criticized in the Inca country.
Published: 5/15/2018