FIFA has confirmed that it has extended Gianluca Prestianni’s suspension to apply worldwide, after UEFA initially handed the Benfica winger a ban.
The Argentina international was sanctioned with a six-match suspension—three of which were suspended—for discriminatory behaviour during the first leg of a Champions League play-off against Real Madrid on February 17.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a heated exchange with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who accused the 20-year-old of racism during an on-field confrontation. Prestianni has denied the allegation.
During the altercation, Prestianni was seen speaking to Vinicius while covering his mouth. The Brazilian subsequently complained to the referee, and the match was temporarily halted for 10 minutes.
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In a statement released to AFP, FIFA said: “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.”
Prestianni, who earned his first international cap in November, has already served one match of the suspension after missing the second leg of the Champions League play-off.
With FIFA’s ruling now in effect globally, the former Velez Sarsfield player is set to miss Argentina’s opening two matches at the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to hold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.