Andina

Peru's Guerrero to officially resume playing soccer this April

Photo: EFE

Photo: EFE

12:58 | Sao Paulo (Brazil), Jan. 29.

Peru's all-time top goalscorer Paolo Guerrero will be allowed to officially play soccer again on April 5, Brazil's Sport Club Internacional informed Tuesday.

Likewise, the club indicated Guerrero will join training sessions with the rest of the team on February 5.


Guerrero case

In December 2017, 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.

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 in January 2018.

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.

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 FIFA's major tournament, the player cemented his place as Peru's top striker with 35 goals defending the national team.

In August 2018, the Swiss justice revoked the precautionary measure that had cleared Guerrero to play soccer again.


(END) JCC/DTK/MVB

Published: 1/29/2019