The ban on Zidane is largely symbolic as the former Juventus and Real Madrid midfield player announced that he was retiring from competitive football after the 2006 World Cup finals. Andreas Herren, a Fifa spokesman, said: "As Zidane has retired, the commission has noted Zidane will also make himself available to Fifa for humanitarian activities with children and adolescents."

Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, had suggested that Zidane could be stripped of his Golden Ball award as the World Cup's best player, but Herren denied the possibility of further punishment: "It wasn't even discussed at the meeting."

Zidane arrived at Fifa's Zurich headquarters this morning to give his version of the incident in which he was sent-off for ramming Materazzi in the chest after a verbal exchange during the World Cup final. The off-the-ball incident was missed by Horacio Elizondo, the referee, and his linesmen, but was spotted by Luis Medina Cantalejo, the fourth official. Italy won the final 5-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after extra time.

"In both of the players' statements, the two players expressed regret over the incidents and presented their excuses to Fifa and the football community over what had happened," said Herren. "They both stressed in statements that the verbal provocation was of an insulting nature but not of any racist nature."

Media speculation after the final was quick to suggest that Materazzi had provoked Zidane's action. The Times enlisted the help of a lip reader to determine what the Italian said. With the help of a translator, it was concluded that Materazzi called Zidane “the son of a terrorist whore”.

When asked about the allegations, Materazzi issued a vehement denial: “It is absolutely not true,” he said. “I did not call him a terrorist. I’m ignorant. I don’t even know what the word means.” However, he changed his story after Fifa decided to open a disciplinary investigation. Materazzi later admitted that he did insult Zidane but strenuously denied making any racist comments.

Zidane eventually spoke out about the incident in two interviews on French television. He apologised to children who watched the match, but said he didn't regret his actions because he was provoked by repeated harsh insults from Materazzi about his mother and sister. These allegations resulted in Fifa extending its disciplinary proceedings to the Italian, who gave evidence in Zurich on July 14.

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