Harry Kewell has been cleared to play in Australia's final group match after FIFA dropped a charge that he had insulted referee Markus Merk following the 2-0 defeat by Brazil.

FIFA said the report by Merk that the Liverpool winger had insulted him after the final whistle was 'inconsistent' and the case has been dropped.

Kewell is now eligible to play in Australia's last game of Group F against Croatia in Stuttgart on Thursday, where victory would see the Socceroos qualify for the first knockout stage.