Does the FBF want La Paz to stop hosting the qualifying round?

 "We are making consultations to see if we have the endorsement (of Conmebol and FIFA) and to give surprises," responded the president of the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF), Fernando Costa, when asked about the possibility of taking the last match of the South American qualifiers against Brazil (March 29) to another venue other than La Paz.

According to Costa, Cochabamba is the main option. However, it was not taken into account that in order to think about that option it is also necessary to analyze what will happen with the season ticket holders, as well as to see if the Félix Capriles meets the requirements requested by FIFA. 

"It is within the alternatives, we have shuffled that possibility and we want to take our National Team to the nine departmental capitals. We are making the consultations to see if we have the endorsement (of Conmebol and FIFA) and give surprises", explained Costa.

Los Tiempos consulted a former FBF executive about the possibility of providing more venues for the national team, given that it is likely for the next qualifying process for the United States-Mexico-Canada 2026 and not for the current one, as there are few venues that meet the requirements.

What are the requirements? Although the FIFA requirements are framed in terms of artificial light lumens, dimensions of dressing rooms, VOR rooms, security and others that many national scenarios meet, one is vital: to have seats installed on the concrete bleachers.

Currently, only the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz and the Tahuichi Aguilera stadium in Santa Cruz comply with this requirement, and only to a high percentage.

The Patria in Sucre has some seats (not enough) and the Félix Capriles in Cochabamba does not have a single one, as these were removed after refurbishment in 2018. 

"We are sure that in the nine capital cities we will have the support, because the selection belongs to everyone. We are in consultation with Conmebol, we estimate that until the following week we will have an answer," Costa finished.