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Disciplinary proceedings against Greece were opened by FIFA over allegations that their fans tried to distract Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate with laser beams during a World Cup qualifier.

"We are aware of the reports and we have started disciplinary proceedings," a FIFA spokesman told Reuters.

Greece won the match 2-1 in Heraklion on April 1 thanks to a second-half penalty by Giorgios Samaras.

FIFA said it was probing reports that local fans aimed the infra-red beams at Aouate as he was preparing to face the penalty which kept Greece top of Group 2 and damaged Israel's chances of qualification.

The FIFA spokesman said Greece were warned in October after laser beams were used by their fans during their qualifier against Switzerland.

The Swiss won the game 2-1, but the distracting beams were directed at striker Alexander Frei as he was taking a penalty for Switzerland's opening goal.

If found guilty a second time, Greece will most likely face stiffer punishment by FIFA, the spokesman said, which could be a hefty fine, deduction of points or having to play future games behind closed doors.

"We have not been officially informed by FIFA over this," a Greek FA official told Reuters.

Another official said the FA was aware of Israeli media reports on the issue. Israel FA spokesman Gil Levanoni said his organisation was "awaiting the outcome of FIFA'S investigation but we are not getting involved in the matter at this time."

Reuters