World Cup: Zidane may face fine for misbehavior

The former France captain, who was sent off for ramming Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest, will appear at the hearing later in the day, said FIFA spokesman Pekka Odriozola.

Photo: World Cup: Zidane may face fine for misbehavior

Zidane, who retired after the July 9 game in Berlin, faces a possible fine and a symbolic ban. He could also be stripped of his Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament.

Materazzi, who appeared before the FIFA panel last week, also faces a possible fine and match ban.

FIFA said it would announce its verdicts following the closed-door hearing on Thursday.

Zidane has already submitted written testimony. He will attend the hearing with French soccer federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes and legal adviser Jean Lapeyre, the French association said.

Any penalty from soccer's world governing body would sully the legacy of Zidane, a man widely considered one of the greatest players of his generation.

Zidane said he attacked Materazzi because he insulted his mother and sister. Materazzi denied insulting Zidane's mother.

The head-butt came during a match watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world, challenging FIFA to respond.

Zidane apologized to children who watched the match, but said he didn't regret what he did because he was provoked by repeated harsh insults about his family, according to the AP.

Playing in extra time in his farewell game, Zidane and Materazzi exchanged words as the two walked upfield. Zidane appeared to be distancing himself from the Italian, but then turned, lowered his bald head, and drove it into Materazzi's chest, knocking him to the ground.