Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni has been banned for six European matches after being found guilty of homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior. Three matches of the ban have been suspended for a two-year period, meaning the Argentine may only serve two further games after already serving a one-match provisional ban.
Uefa has announced it will ask Fifa to extend the suspension to include international matches, which would see Prestianni miss the first two games of the World Cup. The incident occurred during the Champions League knockout playoff round match between the sides in Lisbon on 17 February.
Vinícius alleged he was racially abused, but a Uefa investigation concluded the behaviour was homophobic. The Brazilian temporarily left the field after Prestianni was seen addressing him while covering his mouth with his shirt, causing a ten-minute stoppage. Uefa appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator after the match.
Under Article 14 of Uefa's disciplinary regulations, an offence of this nature typically carries a ten-match ban. The Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body has not yet published its reasons for the reduced punishment, but Prestianni is understood to have accepted his guilt.
The incident is likely to prompt a rule change, with the International Football Association Board meeting in Canada next week to consider stricter penalties for players covering their mouths during confrontations. Fifa President Gianni Infantino has said such behaviour should result in a red card.
