UEFA has handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct deemed homophobic during a Champions League knockout playoff match against Real Madrid in February 2026. The decision, announced on April 24, 2026, follows an investigation into an incident that occurred during the first leg of the tie at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.
According to UEFA’s official statement, Prestianni was found to have directed a homophobic comment at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during the match. The Brazilian player had given Real Madrid a 1-0 lead early in the second half before the incident unfolded. Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that Vinícius and nearby teammates interpreted as abusive.
The suspension includes a one-match provisional ban that Prestianni had already served during the second leg of the playoff tie on February 25, 2026, which Real Madrid won 2-1 to advance to the next round. Prestianni will effectively miss two additional UEFA matches immediately. The remaining three matches of the suspension are subject to a two-year probationary period, starting from the date of UEFA’s decision.
UEFA also confirmed it has requested FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide, meaning the ban could apply to matches outside European competition, including potential international fixtures with the Argentina national team. Benfica acknowledged the sanction in a statement, noting that “of the three-match effective ban, one has already been served and the remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or Argentina national team matches in a FIFA context.”
Prestianni, aged 20 at the time of the incident, initially faced accusations of making a racist remark toward Vinícius Júnior, with the Brazilian forward and his teammate Kylian Mbappé alleging that the Argentine winger had used a racial slur. Prestianni denied these claims, stating that Vinícius had misheard him. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni provided context, saying Prestianni told him he had not called Vinícius a “monkey” but had instead directed a homophobic comment.
The match was temporarily halted for approximately 10 minutes following the incident, after Vinícius approached referee Francois Letexier while gesturing toward Prestianni. Letexier responded with the crossed arms gesture introduced by FIFA in May 2024 to signal racist abuse, after which Vinícius left the pitch and was followed by his Real Madrid teammates. Vinícius later posted on Instagram: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”
UEFA stated that had Prestianni been found guilty of racist abuse, he would have faced a minimum 10-match ban from European competition. Benfica defended their player after the initial allegations, claiming there was a “defamation campaign” against him and expressing full support for his version of events. However, Benfica’s then-coach José Mourinho remarked that Prestianni’s career under him would be “over” if the abuse was proven.
The suspension raises questions about Prestianni’s availability for potential Argentina national team call-ups, including possible selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If selected, the ban would apply to World Cup matches under UEFA’s request for global enforcement, pending FIFA’s decision on the extension request.
As of the announcement, Prestianni has served one match of the suspension and must complete two additional matches in UEFA or FIFA-sanctioned Argentina national team fixtures before the probationary period begins for the remaining three games. The two-year probationary period means any further discriminatory conduct during that time could trigger the full three-match suspension.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about discrimination in football, particularly in high-profile matches involving players who have previously spoken out about abuse. Vinícius Júnior has been a frequent target of racist incidents in La Liga and European competition, prompting repeated calls for stronger sanctions and educational measures across the sport.
Benfica’s next UEFA match will determine when Prestianni begins serving the active portion of his ban, depending on the club’s competition schedule and any potential appeal process, though no appeal has been publicly confirmed by the club or player as of the UEFA announcement.
For continued updates on disciplinary matters in European football and their implications for player availability and team competitions, refer to official UEFA communications and match schedules.
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