Soccer: Durante cleared by FIFA

Andrew Durante. Photo / File

New Zealand Football have received notification from FIFA confirming that Andrew Durante is eligible to play for New Zealand.

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 March 26th.

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 now cleared Durante to play for New Zealand.

"To have a final decision is very welcome, both for New Zealand Football and for Andrew," said Fred de Jong, High Performance Director New Zealand Football.

"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."

Durante was born in Australia and became a New Zealand citizen on March 6th.