FIFA extended its punishment for alleged discriminatory conduct against Vinícius Júnior to world status and, if summoned to Albiceleste, he could not be at the start of the World Cup
Gianluca Prestianni received some tough news ahead of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA decided to extend to global status the six-game sanction imposed on it by UEFA for alleged discriminatory conduct against Vinícius
Júnior.
Initially, the punishment applied only to competitions organized by UEFA, but now FIFA accepted the request to extend its reach to all official tournaments. This implies that, if called up by Lionel Scaloni, the soccer player should serve his suspension matches during the
World Cup.
Of the six imposed matches, one has already been completed in the rematch against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. In addition, three were suspended for a two-year trial period, leaving twoeffective parties that could now be transferred to the
with the sanction. UEFA sanctioned Prestianni for allegedly discriminating against Vinícius Júnior
The decision seriously complicates Prestianni's aspirations to join the final list of the Argentine national team. Not only should he earn a place in the consideration of the coaching staff, but he would also be conditioned by a sanction that would prevent him from being available from the start of the tournament
.
In parallel, the AFA is closely following the case and understands that the player should move forward with an appeal to try to reduce the penalty. The path could include filing with FIFA and, ultimately, going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).
With the World Cup getting closer, the situation leaves Prestianni in a scenario of uncertainty that goes beyond sports and jeopardizes one of his great professional goals.
