In a Telenovela-Level Dramatic Twist, Paolo Guerrero Cleared to Play World Cup

After weeks of devastation, Peruvians are currently the happiest sports fans on earth right now. This morning fans of La Blanquirroja woke up to news that Paolo Guerrero – the team’s best player and captain – is cleared to play in the World Cup. Just two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) extended Paolo Guerrero’s six-month FIFA ban – which was set to expire in May – until January 2018, meaning he was going to miss the World Cup. In October, Guerrero tested positive for benzoylecgonine – the main metabolite of cocaine, something he has said is the result of drinking coca tea. But a Swiss court has now given Guerrero permission to play. “Paolo Guerrero can take part in the next World Cup, the court said, according to The Guardian.

Guerrero has released a statement, saying, “There are no limits. There are no impossible dreams, because it’s now proven when Peruvians unite, anything is possible.”

The interim order freezes Guerrero’s 14-month ban until the case can be decided at a later date. CAS has already said it would “not object” a federal judge freezing the ban, so it looks like there should not be any more telenovela-like surprises. *knocks on wood* This will be Peru’s first World Cup appearance since 1982, so naturally, emotions are high. Check out a few tweets from jubilant Peruvians below.