Argentina legend Diego Maradona has lashed out at FIFA president Sepp Blatter, describing his decision to ban games at the Estadio Hernando Siles in Bolivia as "scandalous".
Last week, FIFA upheld their initial decision that matches must be staged at stadia less than 2,750 metres above sea level, unless there is a period of acclimatisation.
With the Hernando Siles situated at 3,600 metres and no time in the international calendar for acclimatisation periods before World Cup qualifiers, Bolivia must play their home matches elsewhere.
Maradona, who is due to take part in a charity match at the ground in aid of flood victims, believes the decision is "embarrassing" and is typical of FIFA's decision-making under Blatter.
He said: "It's ridiculous that they want Bolivia not to play in their own land. It's embarrassing because it shows no common sense.
"I'm sure that those who are now banning the Bolivian national team have never kicked a ball.
"(Blatter) has never played football, he has never kicked a penalty. He is playing with the people's passion.
"What Blatter does is always scandalous."
With the Hernando Siles situated at 3,600 metres and no time in the international calendar for acclimatisation periods before World Cup qualifiers, Bolivia must play their home matches elsewhere.
Maradona, who is due to take part in a charity match at the ground in aid of flood victims, believes the decision is "embarrassing" and is typical of FIFA's decision-making under Blatter.
He said: "It's ridiculous that they want Bolivia not to play in their own land. It's embarrassing because it shows no common sense.
"I'm sure that those who are now banning the Bolivian national team have never kicked a ball.
"(Blatter) has never played football, he has never kicked a penalty. He is playing with the people's passion.
"What Blatter does is always scandalous."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Morocco blazing a trail for Arab women's football participation
FIFA blasted for OneLove armband threat
