Harry Kewell could miss Australia's final group match after being charged by FIFA with insulting referee Markus Merk following the 2-0 defeat by Brazil.
The Liverpool winger has been reported by Merk for swearing at the German official several times after the final whistle and disciplinary proceedings have been opened against him.
A decision will be announced before Australia's last game of Group F against Croatia in Stuttgart on Thursday.
FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said: 'FIFA have opened disciplinary procedures against Harry Kewell. It was reported in the referee's report that he insulted the referee several times. He has until tomorrow [June 20] to respond and a decision will be taken before Australia's final group match.'
