Fifa, the governing body for the round ball game, has just issued a ban on international matches being played at altitudes above 2500 meters.
They claim it is unfair and unsafe to players not used to such altitudes.
Maybe so but it effectively limits international matches being played in soccer mad nations such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, all of whom had hoped to stage World cup qualifiers.
The altitude controversy first emerged way back in 1968 when the Olympic games were held in Mexico city, altitude a mere 2300 meters and there was much whining at the time although now that controversy has been long overshadowed by the infamous black power salute given on the winners podium by Tommie Smith (Gold medalist) and John Carlos (Bronze medalist) for the 200 meters.
Sure enough altitude did prove problematical for some competitors in endurance events at the Mexico games.
On the other hand in track and field events of short duration the athletes thrived and world records tumbled some not to be broken for decades.
Still soccer has more in common with endurance events than the long jump I guess and playing a game at nearly 4000 meters when you are not used to it, as recently happened to Brazilian club Flamengo when they met Bolivian team Real Potosi at Estadio Mario Mercado Vaca Guzmán (altitude 3967 meters) seems a big ask.
A tricky one, if enforced teams like Real Potosi and their local supporters will be restricted in the home games they will be able to enjoy.
But when you think about it in all sports the home team does enjoy some advantage being used to the conditions and having friendly supporters, why should altitude be singled out as a special case?
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