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Peru's official 23-man squad for 2018 World Cup announced

10:15 | St. Gallen (Switzerland), Jun. 4.

Peru has named its official 23-man team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with top striker Paolo Guerrero leading the group after the Swiss Federal Court agreed to lift a 14-month ban imposed on him.

As is known, the deadline for all World Cup nations to announce their final 23-man squad list is June 4.


Official list:

Goal keepers:
Pedro Gallese (Veracruz, Mexico)
Jose Carvallo (UTC)
Carlos Caceda (Municipal)

Defenders: 
Luis Advincula (Lobos, Mexico)
Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima)
Aldo Corzo (Universitario)
Nilson Loyola (Melgar)
Christian Ramos (Veracruz, Mexico)
Alberto Rodriguez (Junior, Colombia)
Anderson Santamaria (Puebla, Mexico)
Miguel Trauco (Flamengo, Brazil)

Midfielders: 
Pedro Aquino (Lobos, Mexico)
Wilmer Cartagena (Veracruz, Mexico)
Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Edison Flores (Aalborg BK, Denmark)
Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal)
Andy Polo (Portland Timbers, U.S.)
Renato Tapia (Feyernoord, the Netherlands)
Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City, U.S.)

Forwards: 
Andre Carrillo (Watford, England)
Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia, Mexico)
Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv, Russia)
Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo, Brazil)

The Saudi Arabia friendly, which Peru won 3-0, marked Guerrero's return to the national soccer team following an 8-month forced absence.


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 allow 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.

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

The Peruvian met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on May 22. At the meeting, the striker unsuccessfully sought amnesty from FIFA's top official.

Later, Guerrero's legal team submitted an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court to suspend the ban imposed on the Peruvian icon.

Finally, Peru's all-time leading goal-scorer was cleared to play at the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup after the Swiss court —on May 31— agreed to temporarily lift the 14-month sanction imposed by CAS.

(END) AFP/RES/RMB/MVB

Published: 6/4/2018