FIFA Extends Prestianni Ban Worldwide, Threatening World Cup Participation
The Benfica winger was banned by UEFA for a slur directed at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in February, and now faces missing Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria.
Prestianni’s ban covers UEFA club competitions and competitive international matches but excludes friendlies and domestic league games, with three matches suspended on probation...
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has broadened Gianluca Prestianni’s six-match suspension for homophobic conduct to apply globally, meaning the Argentina winger could miss the start of his country’s World Cup campaign.
The Benfica forward was originally banned by UEFA over allegations he directed a slur at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during the February Champions League playoff, a 1-0 win for Real.
The worldwide extension, filed at UEFA’s request, would rule Prestianni out of Argentina’s first two World Cup matches if he makes the squad.
🚨😮 BREAKING: FIFA gives worldwide status to Prestianni’s suspension after UEFA request.
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) May 6, 2026
The player will miss Argentina’s first two matches vs Algeria and Austria if called up to the World Cup. @fczyz pic.twitter.com/CuQvwnhi1w
The suspension applies to UEFA club competitions and competitive international fixtures, but does not affect friendlies or domestic league matches.
UEFA had initially handed Prestianni a six-game ban for discriminatory conduct, with three of those games suspended on probation. He already served a one-match provisional suspension when he sat out the second leg against Real Madrid.
The 20-year-old has limited caps for Argentina, having made only one appearance as a late substitute in a November friendly versus Angola.
Argentina begin their World Cup on June 16 against Group J side Algeria, before facing Austria and Jordan.
No comments:
Leave comment here