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Wednesday, 13 June 2007, 01:24 GMT 02:24 UK

In pictures: Bolivia head plays at top level

Bolivian President Evo Morales during a football, mount Sajama, Bolivia

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Bolivian President Evo Morales has snubbed Fifa's ban on high-altitude football matches by playing his own at 6,000m (19,700 ft) above sea level.

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President Morales and his staff played against a team of local mountaineers on Mount Sajama, a dormant volcano in the Andes, near the border with Chile.

Bolivian President Evo Morales during a football, mount Sajama, Bolivia

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After sacrificing a llama for good luck, the teams flew by helicopter to a makeshift pitch below the mountain's peak.

Bolivian President Evo Morales during a football, mount Sajama, Bolivia

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"If you want to play sports, it's possible to play sports at any altitude in the world," Mr Morales, who scored the winning goal, said.

Bolivian President Evo Morales during a football, mount Sajama, Bolivia

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But the game only lasted for about 15 minutes, in which time the ball also had to be recovered after it rolled down the mountainside.

Bolivian President Evo Morales during a football, mount Sajama, Bolivia

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Last month Fifa decided to prohibit international tournaments and World Cup qualifying matches anywhere above 2,500m (8,200ft).

Bolivian President Evo Morales during a football, mount Sajama, Bolivia

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The decision, which affects many South American nations, has been seen as an insult in Bolivia.

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