FIFA praised the decision to extend the disqualification of Argentine Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni from all tournaments under its jurisdiction. This means that the 20-year-old footballer will not be able to help the Argentina team in the first two matches of the group stage of the World Cup 2026 against Algeria and Austria, which will be included before the final application of Lionel.

Initially, sanctions were imposed by UEFA after the scandal in the Champions League. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee satisfied the European body's decision and expanded the punitive action throughout the world. The final term of disqualification is six matches, but the actual missed period is less:.

3 matches have a mental character from the tried and tested term for two years. Having already missed 1 match (match against Real Madrid). 2 matches will no longer be active and will be expanded on official international publications.

In this case, the Prestianni retains the right to play in domestic tournaments for Benfica and take part in friendly matches of the national team (for example, in a sparring match against Honduras).

The incident occurred on the 17th hour of the first match of the Champions League playoff stage. Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior stated that he recognized the racial image on the side of the Argentinean. The situation reached such a resonance that the head referee, Francois Letexier, began to raise concerns about the anti-discrimination protocol throughout the entire country..

Prestianni himself categorically raised the issue of racism, declaring that Vinicius misunderstood.

The UEFA investigation led to punishment for another article - discriminatory (homophobic) behavior.

Warto note that the standard UEFA rules apply for such violations a minimum disqualification of 10 matches. The organization commented on why the Argentine was blamed and the term was shortened to six years.

Now the Prestianni are under constant observation: if something like this is damaged by the pull of the next two, it automatically activates three more matches of the mental ban.