Leading Peruvian football club Alianza Lima is considering the
possibility of giving its players Viagra during matches played at
altitude in the local championships.
In a country where some Peruvian league matches take place in towns
between 2,700 and 3,300 metres, Alianza players could be looking at
reaping the benefits from the erectile dysfunction drug.
"When we were in Spain during pre-season, we talked with the club
doctor and he explained to us that Viagra could help improve the
physical conditioning of players at altitude," coach Wilmar
Valencia said.
If results showed that the male potency pill enhanced on-field
performances, "the club would use it", Valencia vowed.
The Alianza club doctor, Dr Blacido, said Viagra helped the heart
pump more blood, thus allowing better oxygenisation, without it
falling foul of anti-doping measures.
According to Dr Blacido, clubs like Brazil's Gremio already use
Viagra for matches played at altitude.