The Big Altitude Problem

By: Mauro | April 8th, 2008

Pictured below, Estadio Hernando Siles de La Paz, site of many an uphill battle.

Apparently, FIFA recently “recommended” that official matches should not be staged at an altitude higher than 2,750 meters above sea level. The Brazilians got right behind FIFA and just about everyone else in South America (especially the Colombians and Ecuadorians who have some pretty high altitude stadium themselves) were in favor of continuing to play the matches where they have been played since these international competitions took place.

Despite Sepp Blatter’s pouting, South American Confederation (CSF) rejected FIFA’s recommendation and has backed those teams and countries who’s stadiums are located at high altitudes, so that they could continue to play their matches where ever they pleased. It has spurred Blatter into saying that those clubs will be forced to forfeit their matches and the points would be awarded to the visitors.

Now I remember back when this wasn’t an issue, when teams from Argentina and Brazil would travel up there and beat the Bolivian’s, Peruvian’s, Colombian’s and Ecuadorian’s teams and no one would say anything about the altitude. They would then travel to our hoods and get hammered.

Also, who are we (or anyone) to tell them where they can and cannot play within their country? Do they have to build a crappy stadium on some site “approved” by FIFA? Away from their people and crowds that would sell out the stadium and make them the money (one of the big reasons they are putting on these matches) that they deserve? Isn’t this type of thing that home field advantage is all about? Making your opponent uncomfortable? Like Maradona says, (and quite possibly the only time I will agree with him) we should be able to play where we were born. Somehow that makes sense, even coming from that crazy whacked out guy.

I also, never hear anyone complaining about having to play in the heat/humidity of Colombia or Brazil when teams have to travel there to play. I think the Brazilian teams need to stop complaining about the altitude and focus on winning matches up there. It’s possible, just ask Pele. Or even Matias Urbano who managed to score three goals against San José at 3,710 meters above sea level just last night.