Argentina winger Gianluca Prestianni could miss the opening matches of the World Cup after FIFA on Wednesday made his suspension valid worldwide.
The Benfica player was punished by UEFA after claims he used a homophobic slur toward Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr during their Champions League playoff match in February. Real Madrid won that game 1-0.
“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 told Reuters.
“The sanction has been extended in accordance with article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
UEFA asked FIFA to apply the ban globally. This means Prestianni could miss Argentina’s first two World Cup matches if he is picked for the squad.
The suspension applies to UEFA club competitions and competitive international matches. It does not cover friendlies or domestic league games.
UEFA first gave Prestianni a six match ban for discriminatory conduct. Three of those matches were suspended during a probation period. He had already served one provisional match ban when he missed the second leg against Real Madrid.
The 20-year-old has little experience with Argentina. He has played only once for the national team after coming on late in a friendly against Angola in November.
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Group J. They will then face Austria and Jordan.
