FIFA Resolves Altitude Issue For Bolivia
January 14, 2008 by Jyle Dupuis
Filed under Copa Libertadores de América, FIFA World Cup, News
The FIFA governing body have decided on a solution over the concerns that matches shouldn’t be played at altitudes of over 2,000 metres above sea level.
Playing at high altitudes is a cause of concern for South-American countries like Bolivia whose altitude is 3,600 metres in their capitol city La Paz.
FIFA decided on a compromise that players not native to Bolivia be subject to an adaptation period of three days before matches above 2,500m, one week for 2,750m and two weeks at 3,000m.
Carlos Chavez president of the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) isn’t pleased with the results, claiming that fewer games will take place in La Paz.
Playing at higher altitudes can lead to altitude sickness symptoms of which are causing cold and dehydration, breathlessness, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. The only remedy for this is to allow a period of climatization for athletes.
I don’t think that it is fair to ask the league to play in such hazardous climates. I have felt the effects of altitude sickness and can’t imagine what I would do if I had to run around for hours. Though unfair to Bolivia, the situation is unfair for the rest of the league because when players are adapted to higher climates their feel a burst of extra energy at lower altitude places.
Sources: AFP
