Zidane faces possible sanctions from FIFA

GENEVA - His reputation already dented, Zinedine Zidane faces possible sanctions for head-butting Marco Materazzi in the World Cup final. Zidane, who retired after the July 9 final, will appear before a FIFA disciplinary panel Thursday in Zurich. The former France captain could be fined, receive a symbolic ban and be stripped of his "Golden Ball" award as the best player in the tournament. Zidane, who had a stellar 18-year career, said he attacked Materazzi because the Italian defender insulted his mother and sister. Materazzi denied insulting Zidane's mother, and appeared last week before the FIFA committee. The Inter Milan player also faces a possible fine and match ban. FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren said Zidane had 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. FIFA will announce its verdicts following the close-door hearing Thursday. 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. "Above all, I'm human," he said on French television last week. "I would rather have taken a punch in the jaw than have heard that." 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. Zidane was sent off on a red card, and Italy went on to win its fourth World Cup, beating France 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.-AP