FIFA Extends Prestianni Ban Worldwide, Threatening World Cup Debut
- On Wednesday, FIFA extended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni's six-game suspension to worldwide effect, ruling the Argentine out of two World Cup matches if he is selected.
- UEFA imposed the six-match suspension two weeks ago following accusations that Prestianni directed a homophobic slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius during a February Champions League playoff.
- Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey while using the insult, prompting a new IFAB rule passed last week that makes covering the mouth when insulting opponents a red card offense.
- It remains unclear if Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni will select the 20-year-old for his World Cup squad, as Prestianni was an unused substitute during the team's March warm-up match against Zambia.
- Argentina begins its World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 17 in Kansas City, followed by a match against Austria five days later in Arlington, Texas.
60 Articles
60 Articles
FIFA extends Brestiani’s World Cup ban for racism
FIFA announced on Wednesday that it has extended the ban imposed on Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to the international level, jeopardizing his participation with the Argentine national team in the upcoming World Cup in the United States. This move underscores the growing severity of football governing bodies’ stance against abusive behavior. UEFA had initially suspended the player for six matches, three of which were suspended, following a …
The UEFA has suspended six games last April for "homophobic driving" during the match between Benfica and Real Madrid against Vinicius Jr., and Gianluca Prestianni has seen its suspension expanded worldwide.
FIFA ban: Prestianni to miss World Cup matches
Benfica midfielder Ginaluca Prestianni could miss the first two matches of the 2026 World Cup after FIFA extended his six-match ban to the international stage. Prestianni was charged by European football governing body UEFA for using homophobic language on Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. during a UEFA Champions League knockout playoff round first leg match at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz on February 17, and was eventually handed a six-match ban on April …
FIFA has upheld the suspension of Gianluca Prestianni, which UEFA had imposed on him for “discriminatory behaviour” during the Champions League match against Real Madrid, worldwide. As a result, the Benfica forward would not be able to play in Argentina’s first two group matches at the World Cup.
The Football World Federation (FIFA) has also extended the ban imposed by UEFA against Argentine offensive player Gianluca Prestianni to the World Cup. If the winger of Benfica Lisbon were nominated for the Argentine national team, he would miss the first two games at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. This would also affect the match against Austria on 22 June in Arlington against the defending champion.Mund with jersey concealedEurop…
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