FIFA launched disciplinary procedures against New Zealand Football in June after a complaint was made concerning Durante’s appearance for New Zealand against the Solomon Islands in a FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier on 26 March.
The FIFA disciplinary proceedings related to article 55 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 8 of the Regulations for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Following the investigation FIFA have cleared Andrew Durante to play for New Zealand.
“To have a final decision is very welcome, both for New Zealand Football and for Andrew,” NZF high performance director Fred de Jong says.
“We were confident that Andrew met all of the necessary requirements to be eligible to play for New Zealand but it was important we went through the process to ensure his status was unable to be questioned.
“Andrew can now concentrate on his career with the All Whites and, if selected, helping them to reach the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil. It also enables New Zealand Football to plan the upcoming campaign with certainty.”
Andrew Durante was born in Australia and became a New Zealand citizen on 6 March. He first played for the All Whites against Solomon Islands on 26 March.
New Zealand finished top in round three of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the Oceania zone, six points clear of New Caledonia in second place.
Therefore, New Zealand will now proceed to the intercontinental home-and-away play-off against the fourth-placed team from North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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