Prestianni may miss Argentina video games as FIFA extends ban to World Cup | World Cup 2026 Information

Gianluca Prestianni may miss Argentina’s first two group video games if he’s chosen of their World Cup squad.

Argentina winger ‌Gianluca Prestianni faces the prospect of lacking his ⁠nation’s opening ⁠World Cup matches after FIFA prolonged his six-game suspension for homophobic conduct to ⁠have a worldwide impact.

“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 mentioned on Wednesday.

“The sanction has been extended in accordance with Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

The Benfica participant was handed the ban by UEFA following accusations he directed a slur ⁠at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr throughout February’s Champions League playoff conflict, which Real gained 1-0.

The worldwide extension, which was requested by UEFA, means Prestianni would miss Argentina’s first ⁠two World Cup fixtures if he ⁠is chosen.

The ban covers UEFA membership competitors video games or aggressive worldwide matches, however not friendlies or home league video games.

UEFA initially imposed a ⁠six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct, with three video games suspended for a probationary interval. ⁠Prestianni had already served a ⁠one-match provisional suspension when he missed the second leg in opposition to Real Madrid.

The 20-year-old has restricted worldwide expertise, nonetheless, making only one look for ‌Argentina as a late substitute in a November pleasant in opposition to Angola.

Argentina open their World Cup marketing campaign on June ‌16 ‌in opposition to Group J opponents Algeria earlier than taking up Austria and Jordan.