FIFA have confirmed that Australia and Liverpool striker Harry Kewell will face a FIFA disciplinary panel over his verbal barrage to German referee Markus Merk after Australia's 2-0 defeat to Brazil in Munich on Sunday.

Kewell was seen jabbing his finger at Markus Merk for some time as he remonstrated with the experienced referee before being pulled away by a team-mate.

FIFA's head of communications Markus Siegler said on Monday: “FIFA is going to bring a disciplinary procedure against Kewell for repeatedly insulting the referee. A decision should be taken before Australia's final match.”

The disciplinary measures are extremely rare for a player who did not receive a booking while on the pitch, but Siegler confirmed that the 27-year-old Socceroo will be present to give his own account saying: “Kewell will have a chance to give his version of events.”

Kewell, who missed an open goal shortly after coming on as a second-half substitute, played down the event saying: "You're frustrated, you're losing the game, every referee puts up with it. I mean, it's part and parcel of the game. He knows there's no harm meant by it,” he said to AP.

The Australians were also furious that Merk awarded the world champions 25 free-kicks, with only nine against Brazil.

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