Gianluca Prestianni has been included in Argentina’s squad for their March friendly despite an ongoing investigation into racism accusations.
The Benfica winger has been included in Lionel Scaloni’s 28-man squad for a solo friendly against Guatemala after the Finalissima versus Spain was cancelled.
On February 17th Benfica’s first-leg Champions League play-off tie with Real Madrid was suspended after Prestianni approached Vinicius Jr covering his mouth with his shirt.
The referee enacted anti-racism protocol after speaking to Vinicius, while Kylian Mbappe said post-match that he heard Prestianni say the word ‘money’ five times.
UEFA appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator after the event and suspended Prestianni for the return match.
Mourinho threatened the end for Prestianni
Having initially defended Prestianni and received criticism from football legends and his former players, Jose Mourinho said the Argentine’s time at Benfica would be over should the investigation find him guilty.
“I tell you that if it is proven that my player did not respect these principles, which are mine and Benfica’s, that player’s career with coach Mourinho and with Benfica will come to an end,” he said.
“If the player is indeed guilty, I will not look at him the same way again, and that’s it for me. But I have to put many ‘what ifs’ in front of me.”
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