FIFA raises altitude limit to 3,000 metres

Zurich : FIFA bowed to pressure from South American countries Wednesday by raising its ban on World Cup qualifying matches to games above 3,000 metres.

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Football's ruling body initially introduced a ban preventing matches being played higher than 2,500 metres but this decision was overturned following complaints by the South American football federation Conmebol.

The increase to 3,000 metres means Colombia can continue to play qualifying matches in the capital Bogota while Ecuador will be able to play in Quito.

However, Bolivia will be prevented from playing in La Paz and Peru in Cuzco.

FIFA had introduced the ban citing medical concerns for players and an unfair home advantage for teams located at high altitude.