Rude Ruud charged by Uefa
The Manchester United forward exchanged words with referee Anders Frisk as his side bowed out of Euro 2004, and suggested to the media after the game that decisions had gone against Holland.
Uefa have been quick to stamp down on what they see as unnecessary conversation to the referee, and van Nistelrooy will now face censure.
The striker may be hit with a fine or an international ban if found guilty, and could find himself excluded from some of the Dutch World Cup qualification campaign that starts in the autumn.
A press release from European football's governing body stated: "Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy after he insulted referee Anders Frisk following the semi-final against Portugal."
