FIFA brings forward Materazzi hearing

LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) 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.

REUTERS PM PM1513