FIFA extends ban for Argentina's Prestianni to the World Cup for abusing Vinícius Júnior

TL;DR

FIFA has extended Gianluca Prestianni's six-match ban to the World Cup, preventing him from playing in two games if selected for Argentina. The ban follows his verbal abuse of Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match.

Key points

FIFA extended Prestianni's ban to the World Cup
Prestianni's ban is for verbally abusing Vinícius Júnior
Argentina's World Cup matches include Algeria and Austria

Mentioned in this story

Gianluca PrestianniVinícius JúniorPaulo DybalaKylian Mbappé

ArgentinaAlgeriaAustriaReal Madrid

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA confirmed a global ban Wednesday for Gianluca Prestianni that will rule the Benfica winger out of two World Cup games in the United States if he is selected in Argentina's squad. UEFA imposed a six-game ban — with three games deferred on probation — on Prestianni two weeks ago for his verbal abuse of Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior in the Champions League. Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey while using the insult. FIFA has now, as expected, fulfilled UEFA’s request to apply the ban beyond European competitions to the World Cup that starts next month. “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect,” the soccer body said in a statement. It is unclear if Prestianni is still in Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni’s plans to defend the World Cup title. Argentina starts against Algeria on June 17 in Kansas City and plays Austria five days later in Arlington, Texas. The group also includes World Cup debutant Jordan. The 20-year-old winger made his first and only appearance for Argentina in a friendly in November. He was an unused substitute in Argentina’s most recent game, a World Cup warmup against on March 31. When Scaloni called up Prestianni in March for the warmups, he did not address the ongoing UEFA investigation. Scaloni noted he needed the Benfica player because was unavailable. UEFA had investigated Prestianni for a racist insult alleged by Vinícius with support from Madrid teammate . They claimed Prestianni used the Spanish word for “monkey,” which he disguised by raising his red jersey to cover his mouth. UEFA could not prove the racial insult which Prestianni denied, though he admitted using a homophobic slur. Prestianni already served the first game of his ban when UEFA barred him playing against Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League knockout playoff in February. Last week, FIFA’s push to make it to cover their mouth when insulting an opponent was passed by soccer’s rulemaking panel known as IFAB. If Prestianni is not selected by Argentina, he will serve the rest of his ban in a UEFA-organized European competition next season. \\_ AP soccer: and more World Cup

Q&A

Why was Gianluca Prestianni banned from the World Cup?

Gianluca Prestianni was banned for verbally abusing Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match, with FIFA extending UEFA's initial ban to include World Cup games.

What teams will Argentina play in the World Cup if Prestianni is selected?

If selected, Argentina will play against Algeria on June 17 and Austria on June 22 in the World Cup.

What was the nature of the insult used by Prestianni?

Prestianni allegedly used a homophobic slur while covering his mouth with his jersey, and although a racial insult was claimed, UEFA could not prove it.