Fifa extend Gianluca Prestianni’s ban worldwide after Vinicius Jr abuse

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni will miss Argentina’s first two matches at this summer’s World Cup if selected, as the abuse ban on Vinicius Jr. has been extended worldwide.

Prestianni, 20, was banned for six matches by UEFA last month after admitting to using homophobic language towards Real Madrid star Vinicius during a Champions League match in February.

The player, who has already received a provisional one-match ban, will receive a further two-match ban, with the other three facing a two-year ban.

FIFA, football’s global governing body, accepted UEFA’s request for a worldwide ban.

Prestianni has made only one appearance for Argentina, in a friendly against Angola in November 2025.

Vinicius had initially accused Prestianni of racially abusing him, but Prestianni denied this.

Had he been found guilty of racial abuse, he would have faced a minimum 10-match ban from European competitions.

If Prestianni is not selected for Argentina’s World Cup squad, he will serve out his punishment in next season’s Champions League or Europa League, with Benfica still fighting for European qualification.

Prestianni lifted his shirt to cover his mouth while speaking to Vinicius and it has since been confirmed that players who do this at the World Cup can be given a red card.