SL Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA following allegations of discriminatory conduct during Benfica’s recent Champions League encounter with Real Madrid CF.
The temporary ban rules the 20-year-old out of Wednesday’s decisive second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, pending the outcome of an ongoing disciplinary investigation.
What Happened in Lisbon
The incident occurred during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 knockout playoff on February 17 at Estádio da Luz. Real Madrid claimed a 1–0 away win courtesy of a goal from Vinícius Júnior, but the match was briefly halted after the Brazilian accused Prestianni of directing racist language toward him following the goal.
Vinícius initially refused to continue play, prompting intervention from teammates, including Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly stated he witnessed the exchange. The referee documented the incident, triggering UEFA’s disciplinary process under Article 14 of its regulations.
UEFA Acts Pending Full Ruling
On February 23, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body imposed a one-match provisional suspension after reviewing an interim report from the appointed Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector. UEFA cited a prima facie case — sufficient initial evidence to justify immediate preventive action while the investigation continues.
As a result, Prestianni will miss the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. If the charge of discriminatory behavior is ultimately upheld, UEFA regulations provide for a minimum suspension of 10 matches.
Benfica Push Back
Benfica have confirmed they will appeal the provisional ban, though the club concedes the timing makes it unlikely the matter will be resolved before the Madrid fixture. Despite being ineligible to play, Prestianni has traveled with the squad to Spain to support his teammates.
Club president Rui Costa strongly defended the player, saying:
“Prestianni is being called a racist, but he is anything but racist. We believe in his word and in the values of the players at this club.”
Sources close to the case say Prestianni denies using racial language, with some reports suggesting he acknowledged making an anti-gay remark — which would still fall under UEFA’s disciplinary framework on discrimination.
What Comes Next
The provisional suspension underscores UEFA’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, an issue Vinícius Júnior has repeatedly spoken out about in recent seasons. While the measure removes immediate tension from the return leg, the final ruling could have significant sporting and reputational consequences for both player and club.
For now, Benfica head into one of their biggest matches of the season without a key attacking option — and with the wider football world watching closely as the investigation continues.