Andina

Peruvians rally for soccer star Paolo Guerrero (Photo Gallery)

Marcha a favor de Paolo Guerrero. Foto: ANDINA/Vidal Tarqui

00:00 | Lima, May. 21.

Wearing national soccer team jerseys, while carrying flags and banners, thousands of Peruvian fans marched in Lima on Sunday to support top striker, Paolo Guerrero, banned from playing the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The rally started at Lima-based Campo de Marte and finished at the National Stadium.

It was joined by the athlete's mother Petronila Gonzales (a.k.a. Doña Peta), his girlfriend Thaisa Leal, as well as his half-brother and former player, Julio Rivera, among other supporters.

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.

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.

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

Two days later, President Martin Vizcarra announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support Guerrero. The player's defense team will appeal to the Swiss Federal Court to have the doping ban annulled.

Justice Minister Salvador Heresi on Friday affirmed that Mr. Vizcarra's support does not imply government interference in the process.

Guerrero also denied rumors that he would quit the national team in case his legal status does not change.

The athlete and Peruvian Soccer Federation President Edwin Oviedo have traveled to Switzerland, where they will meet with FIFA Chairman Gianni Infantino.

(END) JSO/MVB

Published: 5/21/2018