Fifa officials have imposed a worldwide ban on Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. The governing body took action after the player admitted to using homophobic language during a Champions League match against Real Madrid in February. The disciplinary measures extend across all domestic and international competitions, according to reports from Sky Sports.
Prestianni joined the Portuguese club from Velez Sarsfield and has been a regular presence in their squad this season. Fifa confirmed the suspension followed an internal investigation into the events that occurred at the Santiago Bernabeu. Benfica have not yet commented on whether they will appeal the length of the ban, per ESPN.
The 20-year-old winger will miss the remainder of the current campaign and the start of the next season. The decision reinforces the commitment of football authorities to eliminate discriminatory behaviour from the sport. Real Madrid officials previously reported the incident to Uefa representatives immediately following the full-time whistle in Spain.
