FIFA to ban high altitude internationals - to the anger of Andean nations

[Dogberry]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6697159.stm

Not sure about this, what about hot nations, or cold nations? Altitude is probably more dangerous though

Fifa bans high-altitude football

A match at nearly 4,000m in Bolivia left some players needing oxygen
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.

To play at above that altitude is not healthy or fair

Sepp Blatter
Fifa president
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.

[IFF]

i don't like the idea

what next? will the uci ban cycling at high altitudes?

appalling move

[Dogberry]

Originally Posted by IFF

i don't like the idea

what next? will the uci ban cycling at high altitudes?

appalling move

I didnt at first but if it severely affects players health....

But I get what you mean

[IFF]

oh well cyclings are made of better stuff then wimpy footballers

[Dogberry]

Originally Posted by IFF

oh well cyclings are made of better stuff then wimpy footballers

Certainly better drugs

[IFF]

Originally Posted by Dogberry

Certainly better drugs

i disagree

they both use same drugs and doctors, only that fifa, uefa and national federsations protect the players more from being caught then the uci and national federations