Argentina international could first two matches of World Cup if selected by coach Lionel Scaloni
Fifa has confirmed that Gianluca Prestianni will serve a worldwide suspension following disciplinary action taken by Uefa earlier this month.
The Benfica winger was handed a six-match ban, with three matches suspended, for verbally abusing Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match against Real Madrid. Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt while making the insult.
Fifa confirmed on Wednesday that the suspension will now apply globally, meaning the 20-year-old could miss Argentina’s opening two matches at this summer’s World Cup if selected by coach Lionel Scaloni.
“The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by Uefa on Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect,” Fifa said in a statement.
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on 17 June in Kansas City before facing Austria in Arlington five days later. Jordan are also in the group.
It remains unclear whether Prestianni is part of Scaloni’s final plans. The winger has made only one senior appearance for Argentina and was an unused substitute in the recent warm-up match against Zambia in March.
Uefa investigated allegations that Prestianni used a racist insult toward Vinicius, claims supported by Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. Uefa said it could not prove the alleged racial abuse, which Prestianni denied, though the player admitted using a homophobic slur.
Prestianni has already served the first match of the suspension, missing Benfica’s Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid in February.
