Argentina winger Gianluca Prestianni faces the prospect of missing his country’s opening world cup matches after FIFA extended his six-game suspension for homophobic conduct to have a worldwide effect.
“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,” a FIFA spokesperson said on Wednesday.
“The sanction has been extended in accordance with Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
The Benfica player was handed the ban by UEFA following accusations he directed a slur at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during February’s Champions League playoff clash, which Real won 1-0. The worldwide extension, which was requested by UEFA, means Prestianni would miss Argentina’s first two World Cup fixtures if he is selected.
The ban covers UEFA club competition games or competitive international matches, but not friendlies or domestic league games.