Fifa have launched an investigation into Andrew Durante's participation in the All Whites' final World Cup qualifier against the Solomon Islands but it won't threaten New Zealand's involvement in November's intercontinental playoff.
If Durante is found to be ineligible for New Zealand, the All Whites will be stripped of the
three points they picked up for their 2-0 win over the Solomons in Honiara in March.
By that time they had already secured passage through to November's intercontinental playoff against the four-placed side from North and Central America for a place at next year's World Cup in Brazil.
It's a situation New Zealand Football will welcome. They asked the Solomon Islands to appeal Durante's eligibility, through the Oceania confederation, to get clarity over Durante's status because they want to know now whether he is eligible rather than have it challenged in November's playoff.
Fifa had initially said they thought Durante was eligible and it was up to New Zealand to decide whether they want to risk it or not. NZF wanted more certainty than that given the high stakes of November's playoff, which prompted them to ask the Solomons to challenge Durante's eligibility.
