Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni now confronts a worldwide football ban that bars him from Argentina’s first two World Cup matches this summer, assuming selection for the national team.
Details of the Suspension
The ban originates from an incident during a Champions League match against Real Madrid on February 17, where Prestianni directed homophobic language at Vinicius Jr. after the Brazilian scored in Lisbon. Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking, and he later admitted to the homophobic conduct. An allegation of racial abuse did not hold up.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body issued a six-match suspension on April 24. This includes three matches deferred for two years and one already served provisionally in the return leg.
FIFA Extends Ban Globally
FIFA has approved UEFA’s request to apply the ban worldwide for official international matches, affecting World Cup group stage openers but sparing pre-tournament friendlies. A FIFA spokesperson stated: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect. The sanction has been extended in accordance with Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
With just one senior cap for Argentina, Prestianni’s World Cup prospects appear slim. Observers expect him to serve the remaining suspension in next season’s Champions League.
New Rule on Mouth-Covering
In response to such incidents, FIFA proposed in late February that players covering their mouths during confrontations receive a red card. The International Football Association Board unanimously approved this measure at a special meeting in Vancouver last week, allowing competitions to enforce it at their discretion.
