World football's governing body introduced the new ruling in May, banning matches at more than 2,500 metres above sea level, citing its wish to better protect players' health.

However, after fierce campaigning from the South American country FIFA decided to overturn the ban for the World Cup qualifiers.

"In reply to a specific request from the Bolivian football federation (FBF) with the backing of the Conmebol, the city of La Paz will be allowed to host international games in the Hernando Siles stadium," read a joint statement from FIFA and Conmebol signed by respective presidents Joseph Blatter and Nicolas Leoz.

The Hernando Siles stadium is situated at an altitude of 3577 metres.

"Bolivian political and sporting authorities have been asked to guarantee that La Paz will be equipped with a sporting complex that fulfils the requirements set by FIFA's medical commission at a maximum altitude of 2500 metres for future competitions," added the statement.

Outrage spread through South America over FIFA's initial 2500 metre limit, World football's governing body decided to raise the maximum altitude to 3000 metres for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.