Materazzi to face FIFA disciplinary hearing

FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Italy defender Marco Materazzi following the incident that led to France captain Zinedine Zidane being sent off in Sunday’s World Cup final.

Football’s world governing body has responded following Zidane’s interview with Canal Plus last night, in which he accused Materazzi of insulting his mother and sister during the game.

Zidane, playing in his final game before retirement, headbutted Materazzi in the chest and was shown a red card.

FIFA had already announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Zidane has been invited to provide a written statement by July 18.

Materazzi will then be given a chance to respond before both players are called to a face-to-face hearing of the disciplinary committee in Zurich on July 20