Brazil won't play in La Paz

Brazil have reiterated that they will not be going to La Paz at 3,600 metres above sea level when they face Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers, adding to the controversy over a ban on high altitude matches.
FIFA have effectively prohibited La Paz and the Ecuadorean capital Quito from staging World Cup qualifiers because of the altitude, imposing a limit of 2,750 metres above sea level.
But last week, the South American Football Confederation (CSF) issued a declaration opposing the ban which was signed by the president of every member federation apart from Brazil's Ricardo Teixeira.
Chile have already said they are prepared to play Bolivia in La Paz in June but Teixeira said Brazil, who have been left politically isolated in the South American Confederation, would not be following suit.
“Brazil are not playing Bolivia in La Paz on the basis of what has been determined by FIFA's executive committee,” he told reporters.
“The decision is not going to be changed and the CBF (the Brazilian confederation) will not take Brazil to La Paz.
“This decision was not made without reason. It has been supported by medical reports,” he added. “We cannot place the health of our players at risk. It is a matter which needs to be faced with responsibility.”
Brazil, who have lost twice, drawn once and won once in their last four visits to La Paz, are due to face Bolivia away in October next year.
FIFA have said the only exceptions to the high altitude ban would be if visiting players were given one week to adapt to games over 2,750 metres and 15 days for games over 3,000 metres.
However, foreign clubs are obliged to release their players only five days ahead of internationals.
Chile have said they are prepared to undertake the two-week acclimatisation for their match, which takes place in the European close season.
Bolivia and Peru have both complained that they supported Brazil's bid to host the 2014 World Cup but, having been awarded the right to stage the tournament, Brazil have now failed to reciprocate over altitude.