England players would reportedly be allowed to use Viagra as a method to elevate their performance against Mexico in the upcoming World Cup knockout clash at Estadio Azteca, which sits over 7,000 feet above sea level. The high altitude has been a major concern for the Three Lions, who arrived in Mexico City two days ahead of the game to acclimatise.
Altitude Advantage for Mexico
Thomas Tuchel recently stated that Mexico would have a major advantage because they are used to playing at high altitude. This potentially leaves England on the back foot before a ball has even been kicked. However, it's claimed they would be allowed to employ an unusual cure in the form of taking Viagra, according to talkSPORT.
How Viagra Works at Altitude
The prescription medication is best known for treating erectile dysfunction but was initially developed as a high blood pressure fix. It widens the blood vessels in the lungs after blocking an enzyme that restricts them, which is crucial at high altitude. The thinner atmosphere at the Azteca, along with a low concentration of oxygen, makes it harder for the heart to pump oxygen around the body and maintain stamina. By reducing blood pressure in the lungs, Viagra helps to counteract the feelings of fatigue and dizziness caused by high altitudes.
No Ban from WADA
While there is no suggestion that England are planning to use the drug against Mexico, there would be nothing stopping them from doing so. Viagra is not classified as a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), according to their list published at the start of this year. WADA have done extensive research into its active substance, sildenafil, and determined that it is not a significant performance enhancer at or near sea level.
Study Shows Performance Boost at High Altitude
A study conducted by WADA in 2015 found that Viagra could improve exercise performance at high altitude (greater than 3,800 metres above sea level) in a subset of athletes by greater than 35 per cent. Back in 2019, Argentine club Union de Santa Fe used the erectile dysfunction drug to combat altitude at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, which sits 2,850m above sea level.
