FIFA Opens Probe of Materazzi Comments in Headbutt Incident

ZURICH, Switzerland – FIFA said Thursday it opened disciplinary proceedings against Marco Materazzi for his conduct in France's World Cup final defeat.

World soccer's governing body said it opened the investigation after statements from Zinedine Zidane, who was sent off Sunday for head-butting Italy defender Materazzi in the chest.

Zidane claimed he was provoked by insults from Materazzi.

FIFA said in a statement it had also summoned both players to attend a hearing of its disciplinary committee July 20.