Italy defender Marco Materazzi accepted an apology and undisclosed damages from a British newspaper to settle a libel suit stemming from the World Cup final.
The Daily Star tabloid claimed that Materazzi goaded France captain Zinedine Zidane with racist abuse. Zidane was ejected after head-butting Materazzi and Italy won the final on penalty kicks.
Materazzi accepted a public apology from the newspaper during a court hearing.
His lawyer, Jane Phillips, said the newspaper accepted that the allegations of racist abuse were “wholly untrue.”
“I really appreciate the apology published in the Daily Star,” Materazzi said.
“The truth is now coming out — finally. I am looking forward to a quick and positive conclusion to my claims against the other newspapers who published lies about me. Only then will I be truly satisfied.”
The Daily Star also agreed to pay the player’s legal costs, said Steven Heffer, another lawyer representing Materazzi.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Tesla, EEOC Plan Talks to Settle Factory Racism Suit 
First Brands Judge Approves Examiner to Probe Fraud Allegations 
Storm Goretti Batters Europe With Violent Winds, Power Cuts 
Allianz Built An AI Agent to Train Claims Professionals in Virtual Reality 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.