Andina

Peru's Guerrero sues hotel that put his career at risk

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

11:26 | Lima, Jul. 12.

Peru soccer team's captain Paolo Guerrero sued the Lima-based hotel where the Incas usually stay as it jeopardized his participation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup after revealing personal information over an alleged doping offense, which damaged his career.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, the striker sued Swissôtel Lima —of the Swiss hotel chain Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts— for "breach of professional secrecy and misrepresentation," according to an article published by El Comercio newspaper.

Among the arguments submitted to the Prosecutor's Office is the fact that the hotel "revealed confidential information to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in two emails, dated February 7 and 15, 2018."

"My personal information and that of the Peruvian Soccer Federation (FPF) —as consumers— was disclosed. For instance, they revealed what I consumed at the facilities, who joined me, as well as where and how I consumed it, etc., without any authorization," the 132-page document reads.

The claim explains the hotel divulged details of the infusion service provided and information on the access to banquet halls reserved by the FPF.

In the lawsuit, the Flamengo's forward requests an inspection of the hotel facilities where the Peruvian squad stayed during FIFA World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.

Hotel

The document alleges that the information submitted by Swissôtel Lima to WADA was taken as evidence in the appeal filed by said organization before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which, in the end, extended Guerrero's suspension from 6 to 14 months. 

Guerrero case

Last December, FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended the athlete 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 at the 2018 World Cup.

The star's defense demonstrated —with evidence— that he had never used cocaine (banned by FIFA). Instead, he had —unknowingly— drunk a contaminated tea.

In order to seek full 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.

As is known, the Peruvian met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At the meeting, the striker unsuccessfully sought amnesty from FIFA's top official.

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

Finally, the forward was cleared to play at the World Cup after the Swiss Federal Court —on May 31— agreed to lift the 14-month ban imposed on him by CAS.

At the tournament, he scored the second goal for Peru against Australia, consolidating him as Peru's top striker with 35 goals defending the national team.

(END) AFP/RES/RMB/MVB

Published: 7/12/2018