Andina

Peru's Guerrero defends himself at Court of Arbitration for Sport

Photo: EFE

10:51 | Lausanne (Switzerland), May. 5.

Peruvian national team's top striker and captain Paolo Guerrero on Thursday morning arrived at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to defend himself over an adverse anti-doping test result following a Qualifiers match against Argentina in 2017.

"The fears we do not face become our limits," Guerrero posted on Facebook before heading to CAS.

"I hold my head high, eager to go back to where I am happy," he added.

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 six months, which would allow the athlete to play the 2018 World Cup.

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.

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

Peruvian soccer fans expect Guerrero to become part of the Inca team, which will compete at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

As is known, Peru last November managed to qualify for soccer's top event after 36 years.

Fans


A group of around 20 Peruvians gathered outside CAS facilities to express their support and affection to the 34-year-old player. 


Wearing red-white jerseys, scarves, and caps, supporters chanted "Paolo is innocent."


(END) JAA/MVB

Published: 5/3/2018