Paolo Guerrero's defense returns to Brazil optimistic

Paolo Guerrero's defense, composed of lawyer Pedro Fida and biochemist Luiz Carlos Cameron, returned to Brazil optimistic after meeting with representatives of the Peruvian Football Federation.

The newspaper GloboEsporte reported on the arrival of the striker's defense, stating that upon their arrival, the defense argued that cocaine use had been ruled out. "According to them, the metabolite benzoylecgonine - present in cocaine - and found in the striker's urine comes from coca leaf used for tea consumed in various countries in South America," they said.

Paolo Guerrero: why did FIFA provisionally suspend him for 30 days?

The newspaper also reported that biochemist Cameron received the urine test from the Peruvian Football Federation, analyzed it, and confirmed that the other substances found - which are not considered doping - are linked to tea and not drugs.

"The trip to Peru was very productive, we met with the Peruvian Football Federation, requested their cooperation, and will soon go to FIFA. We have a lot of confidence in Paolo Guerrero's innocence, his innocence will be proven," said lawyer Pedro Fida.

"What will be investigated by the defense is whether there was contamination in any tea that Paolo Guerrero consumed during the qualifiers. The Peruvian claims that he did not consume coca drink, but consumed other types of tea on his trip to Argentina - a trip in which there was an adverse analytical result," the Brazilian newspaper reported.

Lawyer Pedro Fida and biochemist Luiz Carlos Cameron return to Brazil. (Photo: GloboEsporte.com)

The media highlighted that coca tea is considered doping. "The defense, however, wants to prove that the consumption was involuntary and only request a warning for the attacker. In cases of doping by stimulants, the penalty is four years," they said.

"Experts consulted by GloboEsporte, who preferred not to be identified for ethical reasons, however, understand that it is not simple to differentiate the presence of cocaine substances or coca tea in urine, mainly due to the levels that need to be consumed for the result to be positive," they pointed out.

Peru vs. New Zealand: André Carrillo reveals details of the preparation prior to the playoff. (Daniel Apuy, special envoy)