Football's world governing body FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against New Zealand Football for having allegedly fielded an ineligible player in the preliminary match for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil against Solomon Islands in March.
The Australian born defender Andrew Durante was granted New Zealand citizenship before the match but clearance from FIFA was still being sought when he was named in the side.
The All Whites finished top in Round Three of the World Cup qualifiers for the Oceanian Zone, six points clear of New Caledonia in second place.
As such, New Zealand will proceed to the inter-continental home-and-away play-off against the fourth placed team from North, Central America and the Caribbean, regardless of the result of the disciplinary proceedings.
