Headbutt inquiry begins

Maingot however refused to provide any details of the meeting, which came one day after world soccer8217;s governing body said it would open disciplinary proceedings against Materazzi.

Materazzi is being investigated based on statements by Zidane, who was sent off for ramming his head into the defender8217;s chest in extra time of Sunday8217;s final in Berlin.

Zidane said on French television on Wednesday that Materazzi insulted his mother and sister. Materazzi has admitted insulting Zidane, but denied verbally attacking Zidane8217;s mother.

Materazzi8217;s agent Claudio Vigorelli said FIFA should only consider Zidane8217;s reaction.

8220;His reaction was absolutely out of order, especially in a big game like the final, because it was his last game as a football player,8221; Materazzi told the British Broadcasting Corporation BBC.

Vigorelli said any punishment toward Materazzi could create a difficult precedent, citing the case of Italy forward Francesco Totti, who was banned for three games for spitting at Denmark8217;s Christian Poulsen during the 2004 European Championship.

8220;Totti was banned for four games, which was reduced to three, and nothing happened to Poulsen 8212; this is absolutely a similar case,8221; Vigorelli said.

8220;If they want to attack a player for what he keeps saying on the pitch, they will be very busy in the future because it8217;s quite normal that players shout to each other in a game 8211; especially when it8217;s such a stressful game.8221;

Zidane is scheduled to attend a FIFA hearing next Thursday. A decision is expected later that day.

FIFA has declined to comment on possible punishments for either individuals or teams. Zidane has retired, but could be stripped of his award as the best player of the World Cup. Materazzi, however, could face a ban and fine.