FIFA Extends Global Ban for Benfica Player Gianluca Prestianni

May 6, 2026, 20:34
CanadaSports

Introduction

FIFA has expanded a suspension originally given by UEFA to Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, meaning he is now banned from playing in international competitions worldwide.

Main Body

The situation began during a Champions League playoff match in February between Benfica and Real Madrid. During the game, Prestianni used verbal abuse against Vinicius Jr. and tried to hide his mouth with his jersey. While officials could not prove that he used racial slurs, Prestianni admitted to using homophobic language. As a result, UEFA's disciplinary body gave him a six-match suspension, though some of these matches were delayed based on his future behavior. Following a request from UEFA, FIFA used its disciplinary code to make this ban apply globally. Consequently, Prestianni will miss the first two group matches of the World Cup if coach Lionel Scaloni chooses him for the squad. However, since the player has very little international experience and has not played much for his club, it is uncertain if he will be selected. If he is not chosen, he will serve the rest of his suspension during Benfica's next UEFA competition cycle. At the same time, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced new rules to improve player behavior. For example, players can now receive an immediate red card if they cover their mouths while arguing with an opponent. Furthermore, IFAB has decided that players and coaches who leave the field to protest a referee's decision can be sent off. This change follows a controversial incident in the Africa Cup of Nations Final, which is currently being reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Conclusion

Prestianni will remain ineligible for the start of the World Cup if he is selected, while football authorities continue to introduce stricter rules regarding player conduct.

Learning

⚡ The 'Logic Link' Shift

At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Result and Addition. These make you sound professional and organized.

🧩 From Simple to Sophisticated

Look at how the article upgrades basic logic:

  • Instead of "So..." →\rightarrow Consequently

    • A2 Style: He used bad language, so he is banned.
    • B2 Style: Prestianni used homophobic language; consequently, FIFA expanded the ban.
    • Why? Consequently signals a formal cause-and-effect relationship.

  • Instead of "Also..." →\rightarrow Furthermore

    • A2 Style: He is banned. Also, there are new rules.
    • B2 Style: Players can receive red cards for covering their mouths. Furthermore, coaches can be sent off for protesting.
    • Why? Furthermore tells the listener: "I am adding a second, equally important point to my argument."

🛠️ How to use them today

ConnectorUse it when...Example from the text
ConsequentlyYou are explaining a direct result....FIFA used its disciplinary code... Consequently, Prestianni will miss...
FurthermoreYou are adding more evidence or a new rule.Furthermore, IFAB has decided that players... can be sent off.

💡 Pro Tip: Place these words at the start of a sentence followed by a comma to create a 'bridge' between your thoughts. This is the fastest way to move from 'basic' to 'fluent' writing.

Vocabulary Learning

suspension
a period of time during which a person is prohibited from doing something
Example:The player received a suspension after the match.
verbal
expressed in words
Example:He gave a verbal warning to the player.
abuse
mistreatment or cruel treatment
Example:The coach faced abuse from the crowd.
racial
relating to race
Example:The team was accused of racial discrimination.
homophobic
having or showing a dislike or fear of homosexuals
Example:The comment was homophobic and caused outrage.
disciplinary
relating to punishment for breaking rules
Example:The disciplinary committee reviewed the case.
six-match
lasting six games
Example:He was given a six-match ban for the offense.
delayed
postponed to a later time
Example:The match was delayed due to rain.
behavior
the way a person acts
Example:Good behavior is expected from all players.
globally
worldwide
Example:The rule applies globally to all leagues.
group
a set of people or teams
Example:The group stage will start next week.
experience
practical knowledge
Example:He has limited international experience.
selected
chosen for a role
Example:He was selected for the national squad.
competition
an event where people compete
Example:The cup is a major competition in football.
immediate
happening at once
Example:He received an immediate red card for the foul.
red card
a penalty card in football
Example:The referee issued a red card to the striker.
cover
to put something over
Example:He covered his mouth with his jersey after the incident.
protesting
showing disagreement
Example:Players were protesting the referee's decision.
referee
official who enforces rules
Example:The referee made the final call.
decision
a conclusion or judgment
Example:The decision was controversial among fans.
sent off
ejected from the game
Example:He was sent off after the tackle.
controversial
causing disagreement
Example:The new rule was controversial among fans.
incident
an event, especially one that is unpleasant
Example:The incident led to new regulations.
review
examine again
Example:The case is under review by the committee.
Court of Arbitration for Sport
an international sports arbitration body
Example:The dispute was taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
ineligible
not allowed to participate
Example:He was ineligible for the tournament due to suspension.
authorities
officials in charge
Example:Football authorities announced the new rules.
stricter
more severe
Example:The new regulations are stricter than before.
conduct
behavior
Example:Good conduct is expected from all players on the field.