FIFA Extends UEFA Ban on Prestianni Worldwide

FIFA has extended a six-match suspension imposed by UEFA on Argentina winger Gianluca Prestianni to apply worldwide, potentially sidelining the 20-year-old Benfica player for his country's first two group stage matches at the World Cup in the United States this summer.

The decision, announced Wednesday by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, follows UEFA's sanction two weeks ago for discriminatory conduct during a Champions League playoff match in February. Prestianni directed a homophobic slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior while covering his mouth with his jersey, according to witnesses including Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. UEFA initially investigated claims of a racial insult, which Prestianni denied and which investigators could not substantiate.

"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 said. "The sanction has been extended in accordance with Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code."

Prestianni has already served one match of the ban, missing the second leg of the playoff against Real Madrid. The remaining five matches include...