Peru captain Paolo Guerrero has been cleared by a Swiss supreme court judge to play at this summer's World Cup despite a doping ban.
The 34-year-old had tested positive for a cocaine metabolite following a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in October 2017, leading to a six-month ban by FIFA.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) then launched a successful bid to extend Guerrero's suspension to 14 months, which would have ruled him out of the competition in Russia.
However, judge Christina Kiss took into account that, at 34, Guerrero should not miss his first opportunity to play at the World Cup.
"As a result, Paolo Guerrero can take part in the next World Cup," the federal court confirmed, noting that the tournament could be "without any doubt the crowning glory of his career".
Guerrero, who has not formally been cleared of doping and could yet serve the remainder of his ban, told reporters: "This decision does justice, at least partially, and I'm grateful to the Swiss court."
The Flamengo player maintains that the positive drug test was the result of drinking contaminated tea.
Giuseppe Labellarte
