Home / Sports / FIFA Extends Homophobia Ban Worldwide
FIFA Extends Homophobia Ban Worldwide
6 May
Summary
- FIFA globally extended a six-match ban for homophobic conduct.
- The player denied allegations of racial abuse during a match.
- The suspension could impact his World Cup availability.
Gianluca Prestianni, a forward for Benfica, faces a worldwide ban following a decision by FIFA. UEFA had requested the global extension of a six-match suspension initially imposed for homophobic conduct.
The incident occurred during a Champions League match in February involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. While Vinicius Jr alleged racial abuse, Prestianni denied such claims, stating he was misunderstood. An investigation by UEFA resulted in a six-match suspension, with three games suspended for two years, applicable to UEFA-organized competitions.
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has now extended this ban globally. This ruling could prevent Prestianni from participating in Argentina's first two matches of the upcoming World Cup. Despite this, he remains eligible for Benfica's final league games and Argentina's friendly matches, as the worldwide effect is limited to competitive FIFA and UEFA competitions.
