New Delhi: FIFA's decision to ban high-altitude international football matches has evoked strong responses from the South American nations.
Stating players' health concerns and possible distortion of competition, FIFA President Sepp Blatter had announced on Sunday that no international matches could be played at more than 2500 meters above sea level.
The ruling was greeted with dismay in Latin America, specially in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
In Bolivia, games in La Paz are played at 3,600 meters above sea level.
Bolivia's President Evo Morales said the ruling was discriminatory and that he would send a high-level delegation to FIFA's headquarters in Zurich to campaign against the ban.
Blatter had said that the decision to ban high-altitude games was made after a review by the medical team for world football's governing body.
There has been criticism that Bolivia's advantage is not only unfair, but also dangerous for the players' health.
Earlier this year, Brazilian club Flamengo said it would not play again at altitude after several players needed oxygen during a game staged at nearly 3,998 meters against Bolivian team Real Potosi.
Peru also has stadiums above 2,999 meters.
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