McCarthy has ban lifted after fatal Harare riot

South African striker Benny McCarthy has seen a two match ban for inciting crowd violence scrapped by FIFA.

Thirteen fans died in a stampede at a 2002 World Cup qualifier in Harare when South Africa took a late 2-0 lead against Zimbabwe.

Police fired tear gas which floored players and fans after the trouble broke out. South Africa asked for the decision to be reviewed by FIFA's disciplinary committee although an appeal is forbidden under the rules that come into force when a player is charged with making provocative gestures.

McCarthy celebrated the second goal by holding a finger to his lips but South Africa argued that there was no direct evidence of a gesture to the crowd before they reacted and the tear gas was fired.

The Celta Vigo star said he wanted to quit international football after the incident but is a key part of South Africa's squad who resume World Cup qualifiers next month.