Some disciplinary decisions carry consequences far beyond the original incident.
What began as a confrontation in a Champions League match back in February has now followed Gianluca Prestianni all the way to the biggest stage in football.
FIFA extend Prestianni’s ban to Argentina’s first two World Cup games
According to Diario AS, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has confirmed the extension of Gianluca Prestianni’s six-match ban, meaning it now applies to competitive FIFA matches including the 2026 World Cup.
The governing body’s statement left no room for ambiguity.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect,” a spokesperson confirmed.
Prestianni was accused of directing a slur at Vinicius Junior while covering his mouth with his red jersey.
Vinicius immediately reported the incident to the referee, where the match was temporarily suspended.
UEFA investigated and imposed a six-game ban.
However, Prestianni denied the racist allegation outright.
He later admitted to using a different offensive term describing it as language commonly used in his cultural context.
UEFA’s official finding was discriminatory conduct of a homophobic nature.
If Prestianni is selected in Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad for the World Cup, he will be unavailable for their first two group stage matches.
He made his only international appearance in a friendly last November, having been named as an unused substitute against Zambia in March.
Whether Scaloni considers him worth a squad place remains very much in question.
If he isn’t selected, he’ll serve the remainder of the suspension in UEFA competition next season.
Either way, the fallout from that February night continues to reshape his career.
One incident in February. Consequences that just keep growing.
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