AUSTRALIAN-born defender Andrew Durante is eligible to play for New Zealand.
New Zealand Football high performance director Fred de Jong confirmed on Thursday that an investigation by FIFA had declared the Wellington Phoenix captain eligible to play for his adopted country.
FIFA launched disciplinary procedures against New Zealand Football in June after a complaint was made concerning Durante's appearance for the All Whites against the Solomon Islands in a World Cup qualifier.
"To have a final decision is very welcome, both for New Zealand Football and for Andrew," said De Jong.
"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."
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.
"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 became a New Zealand citizen on March 6 and made his All Whites debut later that month.
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