Peru’s Guerrero set for World Cup after doping ban gets cut

In this Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017 filer, Peru's Paolo Guerrero celebrates after scoring against Colombia during a 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match. (Rodrigo Abd/AP)

ZURICH — Peru captain Paolo Guerrero will be eligible for next year’s World Cup after FIFA reduced his suspension for doping from one year to six months.

FIFA announced Wednesday that its disciplinary committee considered the six-month ban a proportionate sanction "after taking into account all circumstances of the case."

Guerrero’s defence said the striker drank tea contaminated with coca leaves before a World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Oct. 5.

The Flamengo striker has been suspended since Nov. 3 and missed the playoff victory against New Zealand that took Peru to its first World Cup since 1982.

Speaking after the FIFA announcement, Guerrero’s lawyer Bichara Neto said the player planned to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to have the six-month suspension annulled.

FIFA’s decision to reduce the ban could meanwhile be appealed at CAS by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Guerrero was Peru’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying with six goals.

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