Berlin: Australia forward Harry Kewell has been cleared by FIFA to play in their final Group F World Cup match against Croatia on Thursday after he was reported for confronting the referee after their 2-0 defeat by Brazil.
Kewell, who came on as a substitute in the loss to the world champions on Sunday, was seen waving his finger at German referee Markus Merk after the final whistle.
Kewell was not booked by the referee but Merk put the incident in his official report to FIFA and the matter was referred to FIFA's disciplinary committee.
"The disciplinary committee looked at the Harry Kewell case, but because of inconsistencies in the referee's report, the case is now closed and Harry Kewell is clear to play. There will be no further action on the matter," said FIFA director of communications, Markus Siegler.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive, John O'Neill, responded: "The FFA and Harry Kewell are very appreciative of FIFA's careful consideration of our submission and are pleased that no action will be taken in relation to this incident."
The Australians, who were unhappy with the referee's performance during the match, had sought legal advice before the hearing.
Assistant coach Graham Arnold had said that Kewell's behaviour was out of character but was borne from frustration after Merk awarded 25 fouls against the Australians and just nine against Brazil.
Arnold also said the Australians were frustrated by Merk's refusal to talk with the Australian captain Mark Viduka during the course of the match.
Kewell is one of Australia's highest paid and best known players but had been struggling with injuries in the lead-up to the World Cup.
He lasted 90 minutes in the first match against Japan but has been troubled by a niggling groin problem since.
He missed a great chance to score against Brazil just moments after he came on to the field and sat out Monday's practice session in Oehringen to have treatment on his groin.
Kewell, speaking before the disciplinary hearing, told Australian's Nine Network, his outburst at the referee was a spur-of-the moment incident.
"I think I was just overheated at the moment, it was just one of those things," he said.
"It is the first time I have ever done something like that. It was just a big, big game for us ... it was an overheated moment for me."
Australia play Croatia in Stuttgart on Thursday needing a win to be guaranteed of a place in the second round.
They can also go through with a draw as long as Japan do not beat Brazil by three goals in the other Group F match.
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