Global Ban Sidelines Gianluca Prestianni for World Cup Games

Gianluca Prestianni, the Benfica winger, faces a worldwide ban that will rule him out of two World Cup games if selected for Argentina's squad. The ban, initially imposed by UEFA due to his verbal abuse of Vinícius Júnior, has been extended globally by FIFA.

In a major decision with international repercussions, FIFA announced Wednesday that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni faces a global ban, sidelining him from two upcoming World Cup games, should he be selected for Argentina's national squad.

The ban originally stemmed from UEFA's ruling two weeks ago, which suspended Prestianni for six games — with three games deferred on probation — for directing verbal abuse, including a homophobic slur, at Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League clash.

Despite Prestianni's denial of racially charged language, FIFA honored UEFA's request to extend the ban globally, casting uncertainty over Argentina's lineup as they prepare for matches against Algeria and Austria in the upcoming World Cup.