On 24/4, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) issued a six-match ban in European competitions against Prestianni for homophobic remarks targeting Vinicius. The sanction includes three mandatory matches and three suspended matches. If Prestianni reoffends within two years, the three suspended matches will be activated.
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Prestianni (in red shirt) exchanged words with Vinicius during the first leg of the Champions League play-off between Benfica and Real on 17/2. _Socrates_
Prestianni has already served one match due to a temporary suspension in the return leg of this season's Champions League play-off. UEFA is proposing that the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) extend the ban globally. If FIFA accepts, the 20-year-old player could miss the two opening matches of the World Cup 2026 if he is called up to participate.
Prestianni was included in Argentina's most recent call-up list at the end of March. However, he did not play in either of the two friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia.
Should FIFA agree to extend the ban, Argentina will likely not select Prestianni for the World Cup 2026. Coach Lionel Scaloni would be hesitant to call up a young player who is banned for the first two matches.
The discriminatory incident occurred during the first leg of the Champions League play-off between Benfica and Real on 17/2. At that time, Prestianni pulled his shirt over his mouth and said something to Vinicius. Subsequently, the Real forward approached the referee, accusing his opponent of racism. Prestianni denied the racism accusation, stating he only called Vinicius "cowardly and gay". However, the sanction for both offenses is the same.
Prestianni joined Benfica in 2024 from his hometown club Velez Sarsfield. This season, the 20-year-old winger has played 30 matches for the Portuguese team, scoring two goals.
The World Cup 2026 will take place in My, Canada, and Mexico from 11/6 to 19/7. The Argentina national team will play three matches in Group J against Algeria (16/6), Austria (22/6), and Jordan (27/6).
Thanh Quy (according to ESPN)
