Guerrero may play in the World Cup after FIFA reduces drug sanction

Captain Paolo Guerrero of Peru will be able to play in the World Cup as FIFA reduced his sanction for drug-related controversy.

Guerrero tested positive for cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine after a qualifier against Argentina on October 5 and was suspended for a 30-day period, which kept him out of his country’s play-off victory over New Zealand.

The 33-year-old was initially given a year-long suspension earlier this month. FIFA upheld his appeal against the sanction after the Appeal Committee of world football’s governing body heard his case.

This led to the decrease of sanction to six months. By then, Guerrero will become eligible to play again in May 2018.

In a statement, FIFA said: “The FIFA Appeal Committee after taking into account all the circumstances of the case, in particular the degree of fault of the player, considered a six-month period of ineligibility to be a proportionate sanction.”

Guerrero plays for Flamengo. He has scored five goals in qualifying to help his side secire the fifth place in CONMEBOL section.

Make sure you don’t miss the latest Sportsbook scoops. Sign Up on 12BET now.

Photo Credit: cbbs