FIFA Extends Benfica Winger Gianluca Prestianni’s Ban, Raising World Cup Availability Concerns
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has confirmed that the six‑match suspension originally handed down by UEFA to Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni will now apply worldwide. The decision, announced on Wednesday, means the Argentine winger could be unavailable for his nation’s opening fixtures at the 2026 World Cup if he is selected for the squad.
Background of the UEFA sanction
In February 2024, during the Champions League play‑off second leg between Benfica and Real Madrid, Prestianni was accused of directing a homophobic insult toward Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. UEFA’s investigatory panel found the comment to constitute discriminatory behaviour under its disciplinary code.
The sanction imposed by UEFA consisted of:
- A six‑match ban from all UEFA club competitions.
- An additional three‑match suspension, served on probation, which would be activated if any further breach occurred.
- Credit for a one‑match provisional ban that Prestianni had already served when he missed the second leg against Real Madrid.
UEFA communicated the decision in a statement released on 22 February 2024, emphasizing its commitment to eradicate discrimination from football.
FIFA’s global extension under Article 70
FIFA opted to extend the ban internationally after receiving a formal request from UEFA. The extension rests on Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows a confederation’s sanction to be given worldwide effect when the offence is deemed to have “international repercussions.”
A FIFA spokesperson clarified the rationale:
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six‑match ban imposed by UEFA on Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni so that it has global impact. The sanction was extended in accordance with Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
As a result, the ban now covers not only UEFA club matches but also any official international fixtures, including World Cup qualifiers and the final tournament itself. Friendly matches and domestic league games remain outside its scope.
Implications for Argentina’s World Cup squad
Prestianni, aged 20, has limited experience at the senior international level. His sole appearance for Argentina came as a late substitute in a friendly against Angola in November 2023. Consequently, his inclusion in the World Cup roster would depend largely on the coaching staff’s assessment of his development and tactical fit.
Argentina is scheduled to open its 2026 World Cup campaign on 16 June 2026, facing Algeria in Group J, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan. If selected, Prestianni would miss the first two competitive internationals due to the global ban, potentially affecting squad depth on the wing.
Reactions and broader context
The decision has drawn varied responses from players, pundits, and anti‑discrimination organisations. Groups such as Kick It Out and FIFA’s own diversity unit welcomed the move as a reinforcement of zero‑tolerance policies toward homophobia in sport.
Some analysts note that the case underscores the growing cooperation between confederations when addressing off‑field misconduct. By aligning UEFA’s sanction with FIFA’s global authority, the governing bodies aim to ensure that disciplinary measures travel with the player, irrespective of the competition.
For Prestianni, the immediate focus will be on fulfilling any mandatory education or awareness programmes that often accompany such bans, with the aim of returning to the pitch once the suspension is lifted.
