FIFA Extends Prestianni’s UEFA Ban Worldwide, Putting World Cup Availability at Risk

Overview

• FIFA’s disciplinary committee on Wednesday extended Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni’s six-game UEFA suspension to worldwide effect.
• UEFA imposed the ban on April 24 for discriminatory conduct with three matches suspended over two years, and he already served a provisional game, leaving two still to serve.
• The extension means those two games will be enforced in official international fixtures and could cost him Argentina’s first two World Cup matches if Lionel Scaloni selects him.
• The case began on February 17 in Lisbon when Vinícius Júnior reported an insult, the referee stopped play under UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, and later said he lacked proof to punish on the spot.
• Reports differ on the wording, with Vinícius alleging a racist slur and Prestianni saying it was a homophobic insult, and the remaining games would shift to next season’s international club competitions if he is not called up.