Socceroos star Mark Bresciano cleared to play at World Cup
Socceroos star Mark Bresciano has been cleared to play for the Socceroos at this year's World Cup in Brazil despite his ongoing appeal against a four-month FIFA ban.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Bresciano's application for a stay of proceedings but took into account his aspirations of playing at the World Cup which kicks off in June.
Former Serie A star Bresciano was banned over an illegal transfer between clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Brendan Schwab, vice-president of the worldwide players' union FIFPro, confirmed via Twitter on Wednesday that Bresciano had been cleared to line up for the Socceroos.
"Mark is free to play for Australia at the World Cup if selected," Schwab said.
Bresciano, 33, will continue serving his ban until March 13 but is available to play friendlies for the Socceroos as he did in Australia's 1-0 victory over Costa Rica last November.
