Fifa Bans high altitude football

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Fifa bans high-altitude football

Football's governing body, Fifa, has banned international teams from playing matches at more than 2,500m (8,200ft) above sea level.
Fifa said the decision was made because of concerns over players' health and possible distortion of competition.

The ruling was greeted with dismay in Latin America, notably in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, where games in La Paz are played at an altitude of 3,600m.

Peru had hoped to stage upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Cuzco, at 3,400m.

Local commentators in Peru suggested Fifa made the decision after pressure from South America's two major football powers, Brazil and Argentina.

Both nations have struggled in recent years while playing at altitude, where the thin air hands an advantage to those acclimatised to the conditions.

'Discrimination'

Playing sport in conditions of high altitude places heavy demands on the body, forcing the heart to work harder.

Earlier in 2007, Brazilian club Flamengo said they would not play again at altitude after several of their players needed oxygen during a game against Bolivian team Real Potosi, held at nearly 4,000m (13,120ft).

Bolivian football officials described the ban as an "injustice" and "discrimination", the EFE news agency reported.

But Fifa's President Sepp Blatter said the organisation had anticipated protests from Latin America.

"The executive committee have listened to a proposal from the medical committee and have decided to act because to play at above that altitude is not healthy or fair," he said.