LIMA, May 31-- Peru captain Paolo Guerrero has been cleared to play in the FIFA World Cup in Russia after his doping ban was temporarily lifted by a Swiss court on Thursday. Guerrero tested positive for cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine following Peru's World Cup qualifier against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Oct. 5. He claimed that he unwittingly consumed the substance in contaminated tea and that it did not enhance his sporting performance. The Swiss Federal Tribunal said it granted an order to freeze Guerrero's 14-month ban during the World Cup, which starts on June 14. The tournament will mark Peru's first appearance in football's biggest event since 1982. "The president of the court took into account the setbacks of all types that the appellant, already aged 34, would suffer if (he) was prevented from participating in a competition that will be the culmination of his career as a footballer," it said in a statement. According to the court, Guerrero "did not act intentionally or with significant negligence." It added that an appeal to overturn the ban would be considered at a later date. In a statement issued through his lawyer, Guerrero expressed gratitude and said he would continue to fight to clear his name. "Justice has been done, at least partially," said the Flamengo striker, who is Peru's all-time leading scorer with 32 goals in 86 international matches. |