FIFA Extends Argentina Player's Ban, Risking Miss of First Two World Cup Matches
Al Jazeera
FIFA has extended a six-match ban against Argentina winger Gianluca Prestianni, originally imposed by UEFA for homophobic insults toward Vinicius Jr, to worldwide effect. The 20-year-old risks missing Argentina's first two group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA announced on April 9 that it would extend the six-match suspension imposed by UEFA on Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni to a worldwide ban. The decision, based on Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, means the 20-year-old could miss Argentina’s opening two matches at the 2026 World Cup.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend to worldwide effect the six-match suspension imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni.”
The original UEFA penalty stemmed from an incident in February during a Champions League qualifying playoff against Real Madrid, which ended 1-0 to the Spanish side. Prestianni was accused of directing homophobic insults at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. UEFA classified the behavior as discriminatory and handed down a six-match ban, with three games suspended on probation. Prestianni had already served one game by sitting out the return leg against Real Madrid.
The extended ban covers official UEFA club competitions and international matches, but does not apply to friendlies or domestic league games. Consequently, if Prestianni is called up for Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign, he would be ineligible for the first two group-stage fixtures—against Algeria on June 16, followed by Austria and Jordan.
Prestianni, who has just one senior cap for Argentina (a late substitute appearance in a friendly against Angola in November 2025), has very limited international experience. The situation presents a selection challenge for the head coach ahead of football's biggest tournament.
