FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Italy defender Marco Materazzi over his involvement in Zinedine Zidane's dismissal in the World Cup final. France skipper Zidane, who retired after the end of the World Cup, was sent off in the closing stages of the tournament's final on Sunday for head-butting Materazzi in the chest after an angry exchange between them. “As part of the process, Zinedine Zidane will be given the right to be heard by means of a written statement, which must be submitted by 18 July," read a statement carried by FIFA official website. “Materazzi will subsequently be sent a copy of the statement so that he can respond to it. "Both players have been summoned to attend a face-to-face hearing before the disciplinary committee at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday, 20 July." Zidane revealed on Wednesday, in an interview with Canal Plus, that Inter defender Materazzi insulted his mother and sister. Zidane's remarks have prompted the world governing body to open inquiry over Materazzi's actions. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will announce their decision regarding the incident later on the 20th of July.
