RismadarVoice Reporters, April 24, 2026
UEFA has handed Benfica winger, Gianluca Prestianni a six-match suspension following a disciplinary ruling over discriminatory conduct directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a UEFA Champions League fixture earlier this season.
According to UEFA’s disciplinary decision, the 20-year-old Argentine was found guilty of using homophobic language during a heated exchange in Benfica’s clash with Real Madrid in February.
The incident, which briefly halted the match, had initially sparked wider allegations of racist abuse before investigations clarified the nature of the misconduct.
UEFA confirmed that the sanction covers six matches in European competition, with three of those games suspended for a probationary period of two years. Prestianni has already served one match under a provisional suspension, meaning he faces additional immediate absence from competitive fixtures if the remaining ban is enforced.
The governing body also indicated that it will request FIFA to extend the punishment globally, which could potentially affect the player’s eligibility for international competitions, including Argentina’s duty.
The case has drawn significant attention across European football due to its connection with Vinícius Júnior, who has previously spoken out against discrimination in the sport. Benfica, as well as the player’s representatives, had earlier challenged aspects of the allegations during the investigation stage.
UEFA reiterated its strict stance on discriminatory behaviour, stating that all forms of abuse—whether racist or homophobic—m are subject to disciplinary action under its regulations.
Prestianni’s suspension adds to ongoing scrutiny of player conduct in high-profile European fixtures, where governing bodies have increasingly enforced tougher sanctions in response to on-field abuse.
