international competition, under allegations of irregularities between the FPF, the Peruvian Institute of Sports (IPD), and the Peruvian government. After IPD president Arturo Woodman agreed to discuss matters and reach an agreement with the FPF, FIFA President Sepp Blatter lifted the bans and restrictions. The problem prevented Peru's hosting of the 2009 South American Youth Championship; the tournament was held in Venezuela instead. With FIFA's approval, the FPF later reappointed Burga. Recent History During 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, a corruption and discipline scandal shook the national team as Peruvian journalists Jaime Bayly and Magaly Medina revealed that a series of Peru's most recognized players, including Claudio Pizarro, Andrés Mendoza, Santiago Acasiete, Paolo Guerrero, and Jefferson Farfán, were seen at nightclubs and parties only days before the team was scheduled to play qualifier matches. Several players were banned from playing for the national team while others were put under investigation. Peru's hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup were dashed early on, as the team was the first CONMEBOL squad to be eliminated from the finals. The Peruvian sports press dubbed the current squad "Los Hijos de Burga" (the "Sons of Burga"), in reference to the FPF's president, who was widely blamed for Peru's terrible qualifying campaign. The press went on to name the squad the worst in the national team's 82-year history, amidst calls for Burga's resignation. Following the end of the qualifiers, Juan Manuel Vargas and Nolberto Solano, who officially retired from the team at this time, expressed their hopes to change the way things were going for the national squad. The team finished the qualifying tournament in last place, with only 3 victories and 13 points. In the August 2009 FIFA World Rankings, Peru was 91st, its lowest ranking to date. On July 2, 2010, Uruguayan Sergio Markarián took charge of the national team with the task of leading Peru in the 2011 Copa América and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His work with the national team received positive comments from Pelé, and an early award as Peru won the Kirin Cup for a third time. Markarián's first challenge came in the form of another discipline scandal, which he resolved by temporarily banning Jefferson Farfán, Reimond Manco, and John Galliquio. La Blanquirroja would next achieve third place at the 2011 Copa América, despite several of the team's key figures missing due to injuries. This has greatly