Andina

Peru coach says Guerrero doping ban is totally unfair

13:57 | Lima, May. 16.

Peru's head coach Ricardo Gareca on Wednesday showed his support to Inca striker Paolo Guerrero, saying the ban imposed on him —which rules him out of the World Cup— is completely unfair and senseless.

The Argentine-born coach also believes the soccer community must not let this happen.

Speaking at a press conference in Lima, Gareca said the sanction against Peru's national soccer team captain has a world connotation and must be reverted as it damages his impeccable career.

"We believe the ban is totally unfair and that FIFPro (the worldwide representative organization for all professional soccer players) has to file a protest (…)," the coach expressed.

"The soccer community must not let this happen," he emphasized.

As is known, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) extended Guerrero's suspension from 6 to 14 months, so he will not be allowed to join the red-white squad that will play the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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.

In order to seek acquittal, the 34-year-old 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.


Finally, Peruvian Soccer Federation (FPF) on Wednesday announced its preliminary 24-man squad for next month's World Cup.

(END) CCR/RMB/MVB

Published: 5/16/2018