Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

The Justice Commission for Peru's National Football Federation reduced an eighteen-month ban that had been placed on three of the country's national team players.

Forwards Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan along with defender Santiago Acasiete had an eighteen month ban reduced to three months after a judge decided they were sorry for what they had done.

Striker Andres Mendoza, on the other hand, was not let off so easily.

The commission did not reduce his sentence and affirmed the player would not be allowed to play with the national team for approximately another year.

It was reported that this was not the first time Mendoza had been found breaking regulations.

Miguel Morales, head of the Justice Commission affirmed that Mendoza had not taken responsibility for his actions and did not show remorse.

Pizarro - a striker for Chelsea, Farfan - who was recently added to the roster of Germany's Schalke 04 and Acasiete - a defender for UD Almería in La Liga are now eligible to play against Venezuela and Argentina with the national team in September.

Furthermore, the fine placed on the three players has been reduced from $20,000 to $10,000. The money is to be donated to a children's hospital.

The four players were banned for playing for almost two years after reports surfaced that they had taken part in a party one day before they were routed by Ecuador 5-1.