Andina

Soccer star Guerrero thanks Peruvians for constant support

Photo: EFE

15:37 | Lausanne (Switzerland), May. 3.

Peru's top striker Paolo Guerrero on Thursday thanked the support he has received from all Peruvians, those residing in the Inca country and the ones gathered outside the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) headquarters.

"I want to thank the Peruvian people and everyone who came to support me," Guerrero expressed as he left CAS in Lausanne.

Earlier on Thursday, the 34-year-old player arrived at said facilities to defend himself over an adverse anti-doping test result, which led FIFA to impose a sanction on him.

As is known, FIFA Disciplinary Committee —last December— 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.

Today's hearing lasted more than 10 hours and was closed to the press.

"I said everything I had to say. Now, we have to await the ruling," Guerrero noted optimistically.

Based on other cases' information, the decision may be announced in 15 to 20 days.

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.

(END) JCC/RES/JAA/MVB

Published: 5/3/2018