Demonstrations are planned in Bolivia and Ecuador over a ban by football body Fifa on internationals more than 2,500m (8,200ft) above sea level.
Demonstrations are planned in Bolivia and Ecuador over a ban by football body Fifa on internationals more than 2,500m (8,200ft) above sea level.
Fifa says there are fears that the high altitude can harm players' health and possibly distort competition.
Fifa says there are fears that the high altitude can harm players' health and possibly distort competition.
Bolivian President Evo Morales has called a meeting of officials from Latin American countries that play their home games at altitude.
Bolivian President Evo Morales has called a meeting of officials from Latin American countries that play their home games at altitude.
He vowed Latin America would not be divided by the "shady actions" of Fifa.
He vowed Latin America would not be divided by the "shady actions" of Fifa.
Demonstrators in the Bolivian capital, La Paz, plan a protest of physical exercise to prove there is no ill effect.
Demonstrators in the Bolivian capital, La Paz, plan a protest of physical exercise to prove there is no ill effect.
President Morales will take part in a football match at Bolivia's largest stadium, the Hernando Siles.
President Morales will take part in a football match at Bolivia's largest stadium, the Hernando Siles.
LATIN AMERICAN CITIES Bolivia: La Paz - 3,600m (11,811ft)Ecuador: Quito - 2,800mColombia: Bogota - 2640mPeru: Cuzco - 3,500m
LATIN AMERICAN CITIES Bolivia: La Paz - 3,600m (11,811ft)Ecuador: Quito - 2,800mColombia: Bogota - 2640mPeru: Cuzco - 3,500m
He said: "Without sport - without football - there cannot be South American unity. It is not possible that through some shady actions of Fifa we will see the division of South America and the division of Latin America."
He said: "Without sport - without football - there cannot be South American unity. It is not possible that through some shady actions of Fifa we will see the division of South America and the division of Latin America."
BBC Americas editor Will Grant says the Bolivian president is an avid football fan and a keen player and there is little doubt he will take his fight against the ban as far as possible.
BBC Americas editor Will Grant says the Bolivian president is an avid football fan and a keen player and there is little doubt he will take his fight against the ban as far as possible.
In Ecuador, the mayor of Quito has called for a rally to protest against the decision.
In Ecuador, the mayor of Quito has called for a rally to protest against the decision.
And Luis Eduardo Garzon, the mayor of a similarly affected city, Bogota in Colombia, pledged to climb the 3,300m Monserrate peak to show altitude held no dangers.
And Luis Eduardo Garzon, the mayor of a similarly affected city, Bogota in Colombia, pledged to climb the 3,300m Monserrate peak to show altitude held no dangers.
'Unity' meeting
'Unity' meeting
All the affected nations deny they have used high-altitude grounds to gain a competitive advantage.
All the affected nations deny they have used high-altitude grounds to gain a competitive advantage.
Mr Morales, a keen footballer, is unlikely to let the issue lie
Mr Morales, a keen footballer, is unlikely to let the issue lie
Fifa's ruling has incensed many in Bolivia in particular.
Fifa's ruling has incensed many in Bolivia in particular.
Le Razon newspaper has vowed to deluge Fifa president Sepp Blatter with one million protest letters.
Le Razon newspaper has vowed to deluge Fifa president Sepp Blatter with one million protest letters.
Fifa officials will hear the protests of the affected nations at a 14 June meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Fifa officials will hear the protests of the affected nations at a 14 June meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Before that Mr Morales has called a "unity" meeting of affected cities and nations for 6 June in La Paz.
Before that Mr Morales has called a "unity" meeting of affected cities and nations for 6 June in La Paz.
Peruvian and Bolivian soccer officials laid the blame for the decision on Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
Peruvian and Bolivian soccer officials laid the blame for the decision on Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
The team doctor of the Peruvian national team, Javier Arce, said matches should also be banned at hot and humid venues in lower-lying countries.
The team doctor of the Peruvian national team, Javier Arce, said matches should also be banned at hot and humid venues in lower-lying countries.
But Kleber Leite, vice president of the Brazilian club Flamengo, said the ruling was "a victory for humankind".
But Kleber Leite, vice president of the Brazilian club Flamengo, said the ruling was "a victory for humankind".
The Argentina Soccer Association said it believed altitude caused "headaches, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems and fatigue".
The Argentina Soccer Association said it believed altitude caused "headaches, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems and fatigue".
Do you agree or disagree with the ban? Do you live in one of the countries affected by it? Do you plan to take part in the protests? Send us your comments using the form below.
