FIFA's disciplinary panel will give its verdict on Thursday on Zinedine Zidane for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the World Cup final, and on the Italy defender for the alleged provocation.
ZURICH (Switzerland): FIFA's disciplinary panel will give its verdict on Thursday on Zinedine Zidane for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the World Cup final, and on the Italy defender for the alleged provocation.
In Rome, Materazzi said Lilian Thuram should not make excuses for Zidane's headbutt after the French defender described Materazzi as "an illness that should not exist".
The French captain was sent off near the end of extra-time in the World Cup final, which Italy eventually won on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in Berlin on July 9.
Materazzi told ANSA news agency: "Thuram would have done better to point out that it was not the first time that Zidane has made certain errors, rather than make excuses for him at any price," presumably referring to the 12 red cards Zidane received during his career.
Thuram had told the Les Inrockuptibles weekly publication that "a player like Materazzi is an illness which should not exist.
"Materazzi has given a negative image of football and he does not need this type of attitude because he is really a very good player. Football is a game where the rules need to be observed. "What's the point of winning if you have cheated? It means nothing."
Thuram did add that Zidane's headbutt into the chest of Materazzi was unfortunate.
Materazzi, known for his rugged play, added: "In the past, I have also been the first to make errors and there's no point defending someone just for the principle."
Zidane has since explained the incident by saying Materazzi insulted his mother and sister. The Italian denied he insulted Zidane's mother.
The Inter Milan player, who had his own hearing before the disciplinary committee last Friday, told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper that it was “one of those insults you hear dozens of times and that often slips out on the pitch.”
FIFA has been tight-lipped about the exact charges being brought against the two players, and about the punishment that could be handed out.
According to the organisation's disciplinary code, any player who “deliberately assaults someone physically or damages his health will be suspended for at least four matches”, and handed a minimum fine of 5,000 Swiss francs ($3,984).
A lesser assault in which the victim is not considered to have been physically harmed is sanctioned with a ban of at least two matches and the same minimum fine.
Given his personal wealth and his subsequent retirement from the sport, either punishment would be chiefly symbolic in Zidane's case.
The disciplinary committee could theoretically recommend that Zidane be shorn of his Most Valuable Player award from the World Cup.
A FIFA spokesman said on Wednesday that such a recommendation is unlikely, pointing out that the award was handed out following a media vote and not by FIFA.
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