FIFA Bans International Games in High Altitude
Just when you were ready to trek up to Machu Picchu to see Peru take part in a World Cup qualifier, along comes the killjoys at FIFA who have decided that playing international games at high altitude is a bad idea. The world’s football governing body announced on Sunday that it would prohibit international games from being played at elevations above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) because it is dangerous for players and gives an unfair home field advantage,
As you would expect, the decision has ruffled some feathers in places like Bolivia and Ecuador where World Cup qualifiers are routinely played in thin air.
I can see why FIFA decided to go with the ban. No one wants to see a player dying while playing at high altitude, but these are world class athletes who should have the fitness to play 90 minutes or so at a high elevation. Is altitude really more dangerous than severe heat?
As for the home field advantage argument, there is some truth to that, but home field advantage can come in a variety of ways. A team playing below sea level can have an advantage over a team that plays in northern climes and vice versa.
What do you think?
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Comments
By Trent | May 29th, 2007 at 1:24 pm 
Not good. Not good at all. Brazil have a larger population that Ecuador–it is an enormous advantage. Quito is higher than Brasilia (or Rio or wherever). Just the way it goes.
In 2006 the rap on Ecuador was that they can only play at altitude, which would translate into poor performance at the World Cup. Yet they advanced.
Now this year, it’s TOO much of an advantage? What gives?
Methinks the health issue is a red herring.
By Christian | May 29th, 2007 at 11:33 pm TOTAL LOAD OF SHITE!! In my opinion 
I think its just insane what next? dry nations not allowed playing in the wet?? It’s supposed to be a WORLD GAME! but yet FIFA from what ive heard took the opinions of the larger more powerful nations ie. Argentina, Brasil and bent over backwards and made a decision to make a stupid ban thats “for the players safety” LOAD OF SHITE and as Trent made mention it was less then a year ago they were crapping on about high altitude teams not being able to play in lower altitudes? just a tad ironic 
as far as im concerned and alot of others there’s one thing thats destroying this beautiful game and its FIFA with Sepp Blater and his goons!
Posted from 
Australia
By Claude | May 30th, 2007 at 2:01 am This just more FIFA sillyness. In 1994 FIFA had no problem having Germany play South Korea in Dallas in temperatures of around 120 degrees. In the second half the Germans just wilted and South Korea almost came back from a 3-0 first half deficiency. Pretty soon only countries with a perfect climate in June and early July will be allowed to host the world cup. It isn’t that Peru and Ecuador built these cities in higher elevation so they could get an “unfair advantage” in the qualifiers. This is just nonsense.
Posted from 
United States
By Carlos | May 30th, 2007 at 3:33 pm Was an idiot dicision from FIFA
Posted from United States
By Boomer | May 31st, 2007 at 8:39 pm What a surprise. You expect the FIFA crooks to do differently?
Ecuador and Bolivia have no money, no marketing, and thus no say with Sepp Blatter. Brazil didn’t like playing in those places because they are, well, we all know the word. So they cried to Seppie boy, who gave them this ruling on a silver platter. “For the players safety,” you see.
Blame Switzerland too. They financially enable the evil of the world, including Mr. Blatter. As long as you keep your money there, you do no wrong in their eyes…
Posted from United States
By Mgaza | June 23rd, 2007 at 11:00 pm What a non-sense decision? These players are professional athletes who can play at any weather..this is another FIFA bullying little nations like always does…Wake up FIFA dont destroy the good game for your financial and corruption gain..What the point of having a home and away games?? We saw good teams with money always get what they wanted…If for health reason why not ban games in cold european weather?
Posted from Australia
By Oxford Study Says Altitude A Factor, FIFA Rejoices - South America - The Offside - Soccer News and Opinion from leagues around the world | December 21st, 2007 at 8:00 am [...] to back up this assertion, and the facts are pretty telling. A study which must certainly be music to Sepp Blatter’s ears. The study took into account 4 high-altitude South American teams (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador [...]
Posted from United States
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