After learning about the six-month reduction of a doping penalty against him, Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero knows he cannot give up his attempt to clear his name.
"For me, it's important to continue proving my innocence. […] I'm not calm now that the sanction has been reduced. I will continue fighting and
proving my innocence […]," the athlete expressed.
As is known, FIFA decided to reduce the suspension imposed on Guerrero earlier this month —
from one year to
six months— a decision which will allow Peru's top striker to play the 2018 World Cup.
The player had tested positive for metabolite benzoylecgonine —a substance included in WADA's 2017 Prohibited List under the class "S6. Stimulants"— following a match against
Argentina last October.
"What we know is that there was contamination […]. That's clear, given the so low amount resulting from the doping test. Now I have to continue this fight with the help of my lawyers […]," he concluded.
As is known, Peru's national soccer team captain exercised his defense before FIFA —supported by his lawyers and a biochemist— during an audience held in Zurich on November 30.
The star's defense had the task of demonstrating —with evidence— that he had never used cocaine or coca tea (both banned by FIFA) but
drank a contaminated tea.
The path
Although Guerrero and his lawyers will appeal to CAS in order to clear his name and seek acquittal, he might be at risk of having the penalty increased.
Such situation may occur only if World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) takes part in the process before CAS.
It must be noted CAS' decision on Guerrero will be revealed by end-January or early February. By then, the athlete would have served half of his sentence.
(END) JSO/FGM/MVB