High-altitude football controversy
| Date | May 2007 – May 2008 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Various high-altitude stadiums |
| Location | South America |
| Type | Sports controversy |
| Cause | FIFA’s temporary ban on international matches above 2,500 meters |
| Participants | FIFA, CONMEBOL, national football associations, players |
| Outcome | Ban revoked in May 2008 |
The high-altitude football controversy was a dispute that arose in May 2007 when the FIFA imposed a temporary ban on international football matches held at altitudes exceeding 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level. The ban was justified by concerns over player health and the competitive imbalance for teams unaccustomed to high-altitude conditions. The ruling particularly affected Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia, restricting their ability to host World Cup qualification matches in high-altitude cities like La Paz and Quito. After significant protest and negotiations, the ban was revoked in May 2008.