FIFA extends Benfica winger Prestianni’s six-match ban worldwide after UEFA request

FIFA has extended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni’s six-match suspension to have worldwide effect, following a request from UEFA, a FIFA spokesperson told sources.

UEFA sanctioned the 20-year-old for discriminatory conduct asourceser accusations he directed a homophobic slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during February’s Champions League playoff tie.

Under Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the extension means the ban now applies beyond UEFA competitions. The suspension covers UEFA club competition matches and competitive international fixtures, but it does not apply to domestic league games or friendly matches.

UEFA originally imposed a six-match ban, with three of those matches suspended for a probationary period. Prestianni also served a one-match provisional suspension.

Prestianni has made one senior appearance for Argentina, coming on as a late substitute in a November friendly against Angola. If selected, the worldwide extension could rule him out of Argentina’s first two World Cup matches, starting with the June 16 opener against Group J opponents Algeria, before games against Austria and Jordan.