Marco Materazzi faced Fifa's disciplinary committee today over the incident that saw French captain Zinedine Zidane sent off for a head butt on the Italy defender in the World Cup final last weekend.

The hearing was hastily convened so Materazzi, who helped Italy win Sunday's final in Berlin on penalties, did not have to interrupt a holiday next week when Fifa had originally summoned the Italian and Zidane.

Fifa spokesman Andreas Herren confirmed that the meeting was underway at the world football body's Zurich headquarters.

"They are talking, finding out what happened," Herren said.

He did not comment on what punishment, if any, Materazzi might face or when a decision would be announced.

Fifa had begun proceedings against Materazzi yesterday, saying that both he and Zidane had been summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee on July 20th.

Fifa had said in the statement Zidane would be given the right to be heard by means of a written statement, which had to be submitted by July 18th. Materazzi would then be sent a copy of the statement to allow him to respond, it said.

However, Fifa have now allowed Materazzi to give his side of the story today.

Zidane was sent off eight minutes from the end of extra time after the controversial incident. He told French television on Wednesday night he had been repeatedly insulted by Materazzi.

The match was Zidane's farewell to football, having announced he was retiring after the tournament.   Zidane opened the scoring for France with a penalty before Materazzi equalised. Italy won 5-3 on penalties.