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FIFA Extends Prestianni Ban; Argentina Misses Him, Mouth-Cover Rule Added

5/7/2026

Summary

Prestianni Ban

FIFA’s worldwide extension of Gianluca Prestianni’s six-match ban means Argentina will miss him for its Group J games against Algeria (17 June) and Austria (22 June).
UEFA imposed the ban on 24 April after Prestianni admitted using homophobic language toward Vinícius Júnior in the 17 February Champions League match, with three of the suspensions suspended for two years.
IFAB ruled that covering an opponent’s mouth will be a red-card offence at the World Cup.

Summary

Prestianni Suspension

Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) concluded it could not verify the racist “monkey” insult, confirming only an anti-gay slur despite evidence supplied by Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
The six-match ban on Prestianni, three matches suspended for two years, caused him to miss Benfica’s Champions League second-leg against Real Madrid in February.
If Argentina does not select Prestianni, the suspension will be served in UEFA competitions next season.

Summary

Vinicius Reports Abuse

Vinicius Junior reported the abuse to referee François Letexier, causing a ten-minute stoppage in the February 17 Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has not decided on Prestianni’s squad spot, saying the ban may force changes to Argentina’s attack for the June 16 Kansas City World Cup opener.
Real Madrid won the February 17 playoff 1-0 despite the interruption caused by the incident.

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Prestianni Ban

FIFA’s worldwide extension of Gianluca Prestianni’s six-match ban means Argentina will miss him for its Group J games against Algeria (17 June) and Austria (22 June).
UEFA imposed the ban on 24 April after Prestianni admitted using homophobic language toward Vinícius Júnior in the 17 February Champions League match, with three of the suspensions suspended for two years.
IFAB ruled that covering an opponent’s mouth will be a red-card offence at the World Cup.

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