Peru captain Guerrero could play at FIFA World Cup following reduction of drugs ban

Peru captain Paolo Guerrero could play at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after his one-year ban for failing a drugs test was reduced to six months on appeal ©Getty Images

Peru's captain Paolo Guerrero could play at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after his one-year ban for failing a drugs test was reduced to six months on appeal.

Guerrero, Peru's record goalscorer with 32 from 86 international appearances, was banned earlier this month having tested positive for cocaine in October.

The 34-year-old, who currently plays for Brazilian club Flamengo, failed the test following a 0-0 draw in a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

The substance is listed as a stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list.

The ban was backdated to November 3, the date when the provisional suspension of the player came into effect, and meant he would be barred from playing in international, domestic and official friendly fixtures until November of this year.

Guerrero can now return to action in May, the month before the World Cup is due to begin in Russia.

"The FIFA Appeal Committee decided to partially uphold the appeal lodged by the Peruvian international player Paolo Guerrero," a FIFA spokesman said.

"The initial period of ineligibility of one year imposed against the player has been reduced to six months."

Guerrero maintains his innocence and says he will still fight to clear his name.

"Obviously I am not relieved - it's important to me to keep [fighting] to prove my innocence," the former Bayern Munich and Hamburger SV forward told Reuters TV.