Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni faces the prospect of missing the start of the World Cup this summer after Fifa extended his ban for homophobic conduct to a global level. The 20-year-old Argentine international was initially handed a six-match suspension by Uefa for using homophobic language towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League fixture on 17 February.
Initial Ban and Extension
Uefa's control, ethics and disciplinary body (CEDB) issued the six-game ban on 24 April, with three matches suspended for two years and one already served. However, Fifa has now extended the sanction worldwide, meaning Prestianni would be ineligible for Argentina’s opening two World Cup matches this summer, should he be selected in their squad.
Incident Details
The incident occurred during a heated exchange between Prestianni and Vinicius Jr, where the Benfica player was seen covering his mouth while confronting the Brazilian forward. A recent Fifa proposal was approved allowing competitions to issue a red card to players who cover their mouth when confronting an opponent, a practice Prestianni used during the altercation.
Prestianni admitted to the homophobic language, leading to the initial Uefa ban. The global extension by Fifa ensures that the suspension applies to all international matches, including the World Cup.
Impact on Argentina's World Cup Campaign
Argentina, the defending champions, are set to begin their World Cup campaign in June. If selected, Prestianni would miss the first two group stage matches, a significant blow for both the player and the national team. The Argentine Football Association has yet to comment on the situation.
The case has sparked renewed debate about homophobia in football and the effectiveness of sanctions. Vinicius Jr, who has been a target of racial abuse in the past, has not publicly commented on the ban.
