FIFA extend ban for player at World Cup after special UEFA request

FIFA have confirmed their decision.

Kicking off this summer in North America, a record 48 countries will compete in the tournament, with Mexico facing South Africa in a 2010 opener repeat at the Estadio Azteca on June 11.

Several major stars will be out of the tournament, including Liverpool and France's Hugo Ekitike, as well as Real Madrid and Brazil's Rodrygo.

Now, it has been learnt that another player will be missing from the start of the tournament, with UEFA and FIFA coming to a decision.

Benfica and Argentinian player Gianluca Prestianni has been given a global ban, ruling the Benfica winger out of Argentina's two opening matches - should he make the final squad.

The decision made comes two weeks after UEFA imposed a six-game ban, three of which were deferred on probation, for his verbal abuse of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in the Champions League clash.

Covering his mouth whilst insulting Vinicius, which the Madrid star alleged as racist, Prestianni has since denied the claims.

UEFA then later submitted a request to apply the ban beyond European competitions, which FIFA have agreed with, extending the ban until the World Cup opening matches.

Argentina start their campaign against Algeria, before playing Austria in their second match.