Prestianni could miss Argentina games as FIFA extends ban to World Cup

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 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.

UEFA originally imposed the ⁠six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct, with three games suspended for a probationary period. ⁠Prestianni had already served a ⁠one-match provisional suspension when he missed the second leg against Real Madrid.

The 20-year-old has limited international experience, however, making just one appearance for ‌Argentina as a late substitute in a November friendly against Angola.

Argentina open their World Cup campaign on June ‌16 ‌against Group J opponents Algeria before taking on Austria and Jordan.