The sanction imposed by UEFA on Gianluca Prestianni following his incident with Vinicius Jr. through the Champions League match between SL Benfica and has now been prolonged globally by FIFA.
This resolution considerably impacts the Argentine’s probabilities of taking part within the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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What occurred?
The incident occurred in February throughout a Champions League playoff match in Lisbon.
Following a aim by Vinicius, Prestianni was seen protecting his mouth whereas addressing the Brazilian ahead, resulting in a stoppage in play because the referee activated anti-discrimination protocols.
Vinicius alleged racial abuse, and was backed by his teammate , resulting in UEFA opening an investigation.
Whereas racist insults couldn’t be confirmed, homophobic remarks had been confirmed and led to the punishment.
Ban prolonged worldwide. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
Following the investigation, , three of that are suspended pending future conduct. He has already served one match retroactively – the return leg on the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Prestianni to overlook two World Cup matches
Now, FIFA has has confirmed that the disciplinary sanction imposed on the Benfica winger can be prolonged to have worldwide impact.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has determined to increase the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica participant Gianluca Prestianni in order that it has worldwide impact,” a FIFA spokesperson defined.
“The sanction has been prolonged in accordance with Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
Having already served one match of the suspension, Prestianni will now be ineligible to play for Argentina of their first two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup beginning subsequent month.
The choice now rests with La supervisor Lionel Scaloni. If he consists of Prestianni within the squad, he can be unavailable for a minimum of the primary two matches.
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